ALBAWABA - In a surprising revelation, it has been found that the International Space Station (ISS) is currently playing host not just to human astronauts but also to millions of bacteria and microbes. The human body, it seems, carries ten times more microbes than previously thought, creating a microbial ecosystem onboard the ISS.
Researchers are actively exploring the role of these microbes, conducting studies aimed at understanding their potential impact on crew health and the functionality of spacecraft. This groundbreaking research is crucial for planning upcoming space missions and ensuring the sustainability of life in the cosmos.
While many of these bacteria and microbes are deemed harmless, the unique microgravity environment of space can elevate the risk of certain microbes causing diseases and disrupt spacecraft systems. There's also the concern that these microorganisms could potentially contaminate other planets during crew landings.
The ISS is now at the center of innovative projects, such as the Boeing Antimicrobial Coating initiative, which tests surface coatings designed to hinder microbial growth. This not only safeguards the ISS crew and equipment but also has broader applications, including airplane cabins, healthcare facilities, and public transportation, with the aim of curbing the spread of diseases.
Two major research efforts, the Microbial Observatory-1 and Microbial Monitoring-2 studies, are diligently monitoring the microbial landscape aboard the ISS. The goal is to identify and understand potential threats, creating a comprehensive catalog of bacteria and fungi for the safety of both crew and spacecraft.
Russian space agency Roscosmos is conducting the BioRisk-MSV research, examining the physical and genetic changes in spaceborne microbes. This exploration aims to unravel how these organisms adapt and thrive in the extreme conditions of space, providing insights that could shape future planetary quarantine methods and biomedical safety protocols.
NASA's ongoing External Microorganisms of the ISS project involves collecting samples from the life support system ventilation holes outside the station. The focus is on evaluating the distribution of microbes in space and the potential risk of contamination to other spacecraft.
As these investigations into the indoor environments of the ISS yield crucial data about existing microbes, they play a vital role in creating safety buffers for the crew.
