Scientists have discovered 26 previously unknown bacterial species in the clean rooms used to prepare NASA’s Phoenix Mars lander for launch. The discovery was made at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, where the clean rooms are decontaminated and controlled environments designed to prevent microbial life from entering space.
Researchers found that these microorganisms, known as extremophiles, can survive in harsh conditions such as space and hydrothermal vents. Studying these microbes may offer insights into their potential uses on Earth, including medicine and food preservation.
The study’s lead author said that the research aims to improve NASA’s clean room protocols to minimize the risk of biological contamination on future missions. The scientists also identified genes linked to DNA repair, detoxification, and boosted metabolism in these microorganisms, which could be engineered for various applications.
This discovery highlights the importance of understanding microbial life and its potential to impact space exploration and our daily lives on Earth. As researchers continue to study these extremophiles, they may uncover new technologies and innovations that can benefit humanity.
Source: https://www.space.com/space-exploration/search-for-life/not-so-clean-rooms-scientists-discover-26-new-microbe-species-in-nasa-spacecraft-facility