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	Scientists are particularly interested in Saturn's moon Titan because it's one of the few known moons with its own dense atmosphere. Titan's atmosphere is also thought to be very similar to what Earth's atmosphere was a long time ago. By learning about Titan, we'll learn about our own planet.

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For current information about the NASA Astrobiology Program, please visit http://astrobiology.nasa.gov/

2006-08-28 | MISSIONS
Microscopic Passengers to Hitch Ride On Space Shuttle

When space shuttle Atlantis rockets into space, it will take along three kinds of microbes so scientists can study how their genetic responses and their ability to cause disease change. The 'Microbe' experiment will study three common microorganisms - Salmonella typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans - that have been identified as potential threats to crew health. Sending these microbes into space will allow scientists to investigate the microbes' genetic adaptation and ability to cause infectious disease in microgravity, and to better understand the astronauts' space environment.

Human space explorers will play a vital role in the future of astrobiology missions beyond our planet and protecting their health is of utmost importance to NASA. Explorers on Mars will one day help scientists search for signs of past or present life on the Red Planet. Simply by traveling in space, astronauts and microbes alike can also tell us a great deal about how life adapts to the space environment and the potential future for life beyond our planet.

More on this story Full text of original item from NASA - ARC, Aug 28, 2006

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