During space missions, even the smallest factors can ruin grand plans. That is why special attention is paid to sterility during spacecraft assembly. However, it is not always possible to achieve perfect cleanliness. But sometimes unnoticed “dirt” allows us to make unexpected discoveries.
A team of scientists from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory found 26 new species of bacteria in a clean room where the Phoenix spacecraft was being prepared for launch in 2007. The team analyzed 215 bacterial strains, some of which existed before the vehicle arrived. Others emerged during its assembly and testing. Among them, 53 strains belonged to 26 previously unknown species. The results of the study were published in the journal Microbiome.
Whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger
Engineers have to adhere to strict conditions for sterile rooms inside a NASA lab: controlling temperature, humidity, and airflow. However, some bacteria not only survive disinfection, but also develop resistance to deadly chemicals and radiation.
“Such microorganisms could threaten space missions by contaminating other planets,” explains Alexandre Rosado, one of the study’s authors.
Surviving bacteria develop unique defense mechanisms: DNA repair, accelerated metabolism, and the ability to neutralize toxins. Such properties make them similar to extremophiles, capable of surviving in extreme conditions.
The study of mutant space bacteria may have practical applications:
- In medicine, where stress resistance genes can help in the development of new drugs.
- In the food industry to improve food preservation methods.
- In biotechnology to create new materials.
“These microorganisms are true “survivalists” and their properties may be beneficial for humanity,” adds KAUST doctoral student Junia Schultz.
The identification of resistant bacteria will prompt NASA to review and raise cleanliness standards for its labs. In the meantime, scientists are still investigating whether such bacteria can survive on Mars or other planets.
We ‘ve previously covered how bacteria tolerate near-space conditions.
According to phys.org
