Space station microbial contamination. Microbes (grey area) growing on interior panel 406 of the International Space Station (ISS). Crew clothes were

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Space station microbial contamination. Microbes (grey area) growing on interior panel 406 of the International Space Station (ISS). Crew clothes were placed here to dry following workouts. Cleaning attempts failed and the panel had to be replaced. To monitor microbial levels on the ISS, crew members use grab sample containers, dual absorbent tubes and swabs to collect air, water and surface samples and send them to Earth for detailed analysis and identification every 6 months. Microbe levels are maintained at acceptable levels by periodic scheduled sanitation routines. Photographed during Expedition 10 (16 October 2004 to 24 April 2005).

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Size: 2406px × 3649px
Photo credit: © NASA/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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