26 new bacterial species discovered in NASA cleanrooms hold clues to space survival

NASA study uncovers 26 new bacteria species in space mission cleanrooms (Image: Canva)

Within an environment intended to be almost lifeless, researchers have discovered life thriving. It's a twist of fate—NASA cleanrooms, intended to be super-clean, have yielded 26 new bacterial species that can survive extremely hostile conditions.

Sterile cleanrooms harbor tough microbes

The finding was by a group of researchers from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and in partnership with scientists from across India and Saudi Arabia. They report in the journal Microbiome that even highly controlled cleanrooms, those used to put together spacecraft, can contain tough microorganisms.

These cleanrooms are designed to exclude dust and germs. Air, temperature, and humidity are controlled strictly. However, some microbes, called extremophiles, find ways to adapt and thrive. The researchers sampled microbes from cleanrooms associated with previous NASA missions.

The scientists found that such bacteria possess genetic features that enable them to withstand harsh conditions. They have genes to fix damage to DNA. Some can even repel nasty molecules or live through radiation. That implies that they might well be able to endure the hostile conditions of travelling through space.

Possible innovation on Earth and in space

KAUST lead researcher Professor Alexandre Rosado explained the research informs us about what types of microbes may tag along to space. It's also crucial in making other planets safe from Earth life during missions of exploration.

Postdoctoral researcher Junia Schultz, who supervised the writing of the study, said that these microbes give more than a warning. Their genes could potentially be used for medicine, ensuring food safety, or other branches of biotechnology in the future.

Electron microscopes were also employed by the team to scan the bacteria contained within the Phoenix spacecraft assembly cleanroom. The photographs provided a closer examination of their structure and resilience.

NASA and KAUST collaborate on future space missions

The study provides NASA new information about what astronauts could experience on missions. It also assists with developing stronger techniques to prevent spacecraft contamination.

Study co-author Dr Kasthuri Venkateswaran, a former NASA researcher, pointed out the collaboration with KAUST. "The collaboration is shedding light on how resilient microbes survive—and how this information may define science and exploration," he stated.

With these 26 new species now listed, scientists are considering how their special genes might enable life sciences, engineering, and even long-duration space travel.