Prevalence of fungi during skylab missions

Abstract

Samples for mycological analysis were collected from surfaces in the Skylab spacegraft before launch and during flight for each manned mission. Fungal contamination levels were low during the first two flights; however, the species recovered were different for each mission. On the third mission, widespread contamination of the Skylab spacecraft with Aspergillus and Penicillium spp. was detected. This contamination was traced to several contaminated space suit undergarments.