A new study has revealed that the International Space Station is full of bacteria and fungi that can cause disease and form biofilms that promote antibiotic resistance, or even corrode the spacecraft.
The station, built in 1998 and orbiting about 250 km from Earth, was visited by more than 222 astronauts and six replenishment missions per year until August 2017.
NASA scientists have discovered that microbes come mainly from humans and resemble those found in public buildings and offices around the world.
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The study – the first to provide a comprehensive catalog of bacteria and fungi that lurk on interior surfaces in confined space systems – was published in the newspaper microbiome.
Kasthuri Venkateswaran, senior scientist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and one of the authors of the study, said: "The ISS is a hermetically sealed closed system, subjected to microgravity, radiation , an increase in carbon dioxide and recirculation of air through HEPA filters. and is considered an "extreme environment". "
He noted that microbes are known to survive and even thrive in extreme environments. The microbes on the International Space Station may have existed since the station's creation, he added, while others could be introduced each time new astronauts or payloads arrive.
Dr. Venkateswaran added, "The influence of the indoor microbiome on human health is of paramount importance to astronauts during flights, due to the change in immunity associated with spaceflight and flight. from the lack of sophisticated medical interventions available on Earth.
"In light of the new era of human expansion in the universe, such as future space travel to Mars, the environmental microbiome in confined space must be thoroughly examined to identify the types of microorganisms that can accumulate in this unique environment. long, they persist and survive, and their impact on human health and spacecraft infrastructure. "
Researchers say the study can be used to improve safety measures meeting NASA's requirements for human habitation in far-flung spaces.