A new species of bacteria discovered on board a space station could have profound implications for astronauts and long-term travel through the cosmos.
A strain of Niallia with a “unique ability” was found on China’s Tiangong Space Station, according to a scientific report.
The discovery was announced in the International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology.
Chinese taikonauts found the new bacteria on the surface of hardware on board the station in May 2023, and it was analysed to see how it survived in such tough conditions
“Understanding the characteristics of microbes during long-term space missions is essential for safeguarding the health of astronauts and maintaining the functionality of spacecraft,” the report says.
Challenges faced by living things in such environments include microgravity, radiation, and limited nutrients.
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The study of which bacteria survive on space stations is also necessary for understanding how to control and avoid contamination on board.
According to the report, this new strain – which most closely resembles Niallia circulans found on Earth – may be better resistant to radiation and oxidative stress.
It also has a “unique ability” to hydrolyse (break down) gelatine, which could be useful in environments with limited nutrients.
