In 2022, China completed its own Tiangong orbital station and immediately launched it. Although the main inhabitants of the station are astronauts, research has found that a microorganism unknown to science has developed near humans. A new strain of bacteria discovered inside the station has become a sensation among microbiologists.
The microbe, which has been named Niallia tiangongensis — after the station where it was discovered — has unique properties that allow it to survive in microgravity, elevated radiation levels and limited access to resources. Its presence was established after the crew of the Shenzhou-15 mission collected swabs from the walls of the Tiangong living modules in May 2023. The results of the analysis were published in the International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology.
Space opportunist
As it turns out, Niallia tiangongensis is genetically related to Niallia circulans, a spore-forming bacterium previously found in soils on Earth. However, the new strain has unique features that distinguish it from its “terrestrial relatives.” It is able to convert gelatin into sources of nitrogen and carbon, and forms a strong biofilm that serves a protective function. In addition, the bacterium forms resistant spores that allow it to survive in extremely hostile environments, such as inside a space station.
It is not yet clear how exactly the bacterium got on board the Tiangong: it evolved already in the conditions of space or adapted back on Earth. Regardless of its origin, its ability to survive and possibly change in weightless conditions is worrisome. Similar strains have already been repeatedly recorded aboard the International Space Station (ISS). For example, mutated antibiotic-resistant bacteria that had evolved in response to space conditions had previously been found there.
Uncertain threat
However, Niallia tiangongensis has differences — both in genetic composition and functional activity — from microorganisms from ISS. And while there is no evidence yet that it poses a direct threat to crew health, scientists have not ruled out potential risks. After all, it is not known how the microbe will behave in long space missions and whether it can affect technical systems or even the human body.
The scientists note: understanding how microorganisms adapt to space is critical to the safety of future space missions — both in orbit and in interplanetary space. The story of the microbe Niallia tiangongensis proves once again: space is not sterile, and even under the most carefully controlled conditions, life forms can appear that remain unknown on Earth.
We previously reported on how a bacterium that would survive on the moons of giant planets was found at the bottom of the ocean.
According to Global Times
