jsc2026e034368

jsc2026e034368 (April 28, 2026) --- Preflight image of ODYSSEY flight hardware containing cultures of donor and recipient strains for horizontal gene transfer testing. Strains sit in separate compartments prior to incubation, at which time both strains are mixed and form a co-culture. ODYSSEY evaluates biofilm formation and exchange of genetic material among two species of bacteria in spaceflight and in simulated microgravity chambers on the ground. Comparing the results between these sample groups could help researchers determine whether Earth-based simulators can be considered as proxies for spaceflight research and get a better understanding of the mechanisms behind biofilm formation and exchange of genetic material when exposed to space-like conditions. Credit: JPL-Caltech.