Matiss

The Matiss experiment will test the anti-bacterial properties of materials in space. France’s space agency CNES has selected five advanced materials that should stop bacteria from settling and growing on the surface.

Bacteria are a big problem in space as they tend to build up in the constantly-recycled atmosphere of the International Space Station. Matiss aims to find better materials to build a space station or spacecraft with, especially important for longer missions farther from Earth. Researchers will also monitor how bacteria form biofilms that protect them from cleaning agents and help them adhere to surfaces.