Application of Pulsed UV Technologies to Ensure Microbiological Cleanliness during Preparation for Missions that Need to Comply with Planetary Protection Requirements

The study demonstrates the feasibility of deep disinfection of exposed surfaces of spacecraft module structures, including those with complex shapes, using high-intensity ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Modes and methods have been identified that ensure high disinfection efficiency of surfaces made from various materials (polymers, photosensitive matrices, semiconductors, metals, etc.) against the most UV-resistant spore-forming bacteria. The experiment showed the potential of using pulsed UV radiation as a physical agent with inactivation properties for surface disinfection of large structural elements of modules during necessary assembly operations. The antimicrobial effectiveness of pulsed UV radiation was demonstrated on microorganism strains contaminating module elements with surfaces of varying configurations. The initial level of microbial surface contamination was determined, indicating 100% disinfection effectiveness when using a xenon lamp from the UIKb-01 Alpha unit.