Unique Bacteria Discovered in China’s Tiangong Space Station Shows Adaptation to Space

Scientists have uncovered a previously unknown strain of bacteria within China’s Tiangong space station, marking a significant discovery in space microbiology. This new microbe, named Niallia tiangongensis, is a variant of a terrestrial soil-dwelling bacterium that can cause sepsis. The strain was identified in a sample collected during the Shenzhou-15 mission in 2023.

First Evidence of Space-Adapted Microbe

Researchers found the unique bacteria in one of the station’s cabins, where it was collected using sterile wipes during routine maintenance. The sample was later analyzed on Earth, revealing its genetic makeup and adaptations. The study, published in the International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology, highlights the bacterium’s ability to survive in the extreme conditions of space.

Genetic Adaptations for Survival

The new strain has developed several genetic traits that help it thrive in space. These include genes that respond to oxidative stress, repair radiation damage, and enable the bacteria to form biofilms by breaking down gelatin to extract carbon and nitrogen. These adaptations suggest that the bacterium has evolved to endure the harsh environment of space.

Connection to Earth-Based Microbes

While the strain is unique, it is closely related to Niallia circulans, a rod-shaped, spore-propagating bacteria that typically resides in soil, sewage, and food. This bacterium can cause sepsis in immunocompromised patients, raising questions about its potential impact on astronauts in space.

Implications for Future Space Missions

Understanding the behavior of microbes in space is crucial for the safety of astronauts and the maintenance of spacecraft systems. The discovery of this strain underscores the importance of studying how microorganisms adapt to extraterrestrial environments. Researchers hope that by analyzing this bacteria, they can develop better strategies to mitigate the risks associated with space-adapted microbes.

Previous Discoveries in Space

This is not the first time microbes have been found to adapt to space. In 2018, NASA scientists discovered four previously unknown strains of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the International Space Station’s toilets, each with unique adaptations for survival in space. These findings highlight the ongoing challenge of managing microbial life in space environments.

Looking Ahead

As space exploration continues, the study of space microbes will become increasingly important. The discovery of Niallia tiangongensis represents a step forward in understanding how life can evolve in extreme conditions. Researchers are now working to determine whether this strain poses any risks to human health or how it can be used to advance space exploration efforts.