A High-Performance Rodent Habitat Bioisolation System

A bioisolation system for rodent habitats has been developed that meets NASA requirements for the Centrifuge Facility planned for the Space Station. System performance was validated by realistic ground tests with a load of six live rats. Performance surpassed NASA requirements for every measured parameter including filter life, odor absorption, high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration of particles including microbes, ammonia control, and the maintenance of specimen health and well-being. The bioisolation system has potential applications to other NASA habitats currently under development.