The International Space Station is full of bacteria

A study by the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) shows that pathogens are thriving on the International Space Station.

Scientists found many pathogens in dust samples from the International Space Station. Photo: NASA.

Despite orbiting at an altitude of nearly 400 kilometers, the International Space Station (ISS) is becoming a breeding ground for disease-causing bacteria from Earth. They seem to favor the unique environment of their new home, with microgravity, cosmic radiation, elevated CO2 levels and the continued presence of humans for nearly 15 years.

Analysis of dust samples collected from the satellite showed that Actinobacteria, a type of bacteria found on human skin, made up a large proportion of the ISS's bacterial population. Researchers also found two groups of potentially infectious pathogens in the ISS dust samples, but the report did not address the virulence of these bacteria in a closed environment or the risk of infection to the crew.

The findings could prompt stricter hygiene regulations on the ISS and lessons for long-duration space missions such as the journey to Mars. Understanding the nature of the bacterial community is key to managing astronaut health and maintaining equipment, according to Dr. Venkateswaran, a microbiologist.

Scientists at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory used the latest DNA sequencing technology to quickly and accurately identify the microorganisms present on the ISS. They collected vacuum-packed air-filtered samples and dust from the ISS, then compared them to “clean rooms” – sterile rooms on Earth that reduce contamination of equipment sent into space.

The team analyzed the samples for microbial organisms and stained their cells to determine whether they were alive or dead. This allowed them to measure the size and diversity of surviving bacterial and fungal populations, as well as determine how closely conditions in clean rooms on Earth resembled the environment on the ISS.

According to VnExpress