DNA Mutation Experiment

Experiment Lead: Jiaqi (Joshua) Huang

The purpose of this experiment is to determine the mutation rate of isolated plasmid DNA over an extended period of time (90 days) in the International Space Station (ISS).

The DNA sample will be sequenced before and after going to space, and the number of mutations will be compared to the same DNA sample on the ground over the same period of time. The DNA sample will remain in aqueous solution in multiple 0.2 ml thin wall PCR tubes embedding in Acrylic blocks bolted to the boards of the satellite during the spaceflight. Plasmid DNA is stable under room temperature, so no power is required for the device.