In a fascinating development earlier this year, scientists in China unearthed a remarkable strain of bacteria aboard the Tiangong space station, which has never before been identified on Earth. This groundbreaking discovery was made by the crew of the Shenzhou-15 mission, who swabbed various surfaces of the space station with sterilization wipes. They then froze the collected samples and sent them back to Earth for analysis.

Upon their return and subsequent analysis, researchers found that the bacteria were closely related to a known strain, Niallia circulans. This rod-shaped, spore-forming bacterium is typically found in soil, sewage, and food, and is notorious for causing sepsis in individuals with compromised immune systems. While the newly discovered sample was indeed a type of terrestrial bacterium, it exhibited distinct adaptations that allowed it to thrive in the unique conditions of the space station.

The Mayo Clinic defines sepsis as a critical medical condition where the body’s response to infection becomes dysfunctional, leading to poor organ performance. If not addressed promptly, sepsis can escalate into septic shock, characterized by a dangerous drop in blood pressure that can lead to severe damage to vital organs like the lungs, kidneys, and liver. In extreme cases, this condition can culminate in death.

The strains of bacteria discovered in space showed significant adaptations to withstand the rigors of the space environment. Notably, researchers identified genes within the bacteria that facilitate the management of oxidative stress, repair damage caused by radiation, and enable the formation of biofilms by breaking down gelatin to extract essential nutrients like carbon and nitrogen.

In a study published this year, the research team emphasized the importance of understanding microbial behavior during prolonged space missions. They remarked, “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 research team believes that identifying this new strain could have significant implications for future space missions. While it remains uncertain whether this newly discovered strain poses a direct threat to humans, researchers are committed to gaining deeper insights into how this and other microbes adapt to the unique environment of space. This understanding will aid in developing robust strategies to protect astronauts from potential risks associated with space-adapted bacteria.

Microbial life in space is increasingly becoming a key focus area as humanity embarks on ambitious space missions. In April, China sent three astronauts, known as taikonauts, into space to replace the existing crew on the Tiangong space station, also referred to as the “Heavenly Palace.” This pivotal development has positioned China as a formidable competitor in the global space race, particularly following legislative measures that have hindered NASA from collaborating with China on the International Space Station due to national security concerns.

As space exploration progresses, comprehending the intricacies of microbial life aboard spacecraft is vital. The discovery of new bacterial strains like Niallia tiangongensis, along with the persistent challenges posed by resilient biofilms, underscores the complex interplay between microbes and the harsh conditions of space.

Continued research into how these microorganisms adapt, survive, and potentially affect astronaut health and spacecraft integrity is crucial for preparing for future space missions. By enhancing global knowledge in space exploration and innovating effective monitoring and control strategies for microbial growth, researchers aim to bolster astronaut safety and pave the way for commercial deep-space travel in the years ahead.

These noteworthy findings were published in the International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology.

Chrissy Newton, a PR professional and founder of VOCAB Communications, currently appears on The Discovery Channel and Max. She also hosts the Rebelliously Curious podcast, available on YouTube and all major audio streaming platforms. Follow her on X: @ChrissyNewton, Instagram: @BeingChrissyNewton, and visit chrissynewton.com.