[The development of methodology, means and device for quick detection of aquatic bacteria in water supply systems of spacecrafts].

Microbial contamination is one of the major characteristics of potable water. The authors give data illustrating occurrence of various microbial species in the inlet products of the water regeneration and supply systems aboard spacecraft. Cultural/biochemical techniques of microbial monitoring (TMM) seem to have the best outlook for potable water assessment in space flight. To qualify water, TMM-I (integral indication of micro-organisms), TMM-C (coccal indication), and TMM-BP (indication of blue pus Pseudomonas aeroginosa) will be necessary and sufficient. Described is a TMM-utilizing unit for microbial analysis.