Unseen Bacterium Discovered on China’s Tiangong Space Station
Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery on China’s Tiangong space station, uncovering traces of a bacterium that has never been seen on Earth. This newly identified bacterium, named Niallia tiangongensis, possesses unique characteristics that allow it to thrive in the harsh and stressful environment hundreds of kilometers above the Earth’s surface.
The research team from the Shenzhou Space Biotechnology Group and the Beijing Institute of Spacecraft System Engineering believe that studying N. tiangongensis and similar species could play a crucial role in safeguarding astronaut health and ensuring the functionality of spacecraft during long-duration missions.
Swabs were collected from a cabin onboard the Tiangong space station in May 2023 as part of the China Space Station Habitation Area Microbiome Programme. Follow-up studies have revealed a distinct microbiome on the Tiangong station, differing significantly in composition and function from that of the International Space Station.
The newly discovered bacterium, N. tiangongensis, is closely related to a known strain called Niallia circulans, which is a soil-dwelling bacterium that forms hardy spores to survive extreme conditions. The unique ability of N. tiangongensis to break down gelatin for nitrogen and carbon sources enables it to create a protective biofilm when faced with challenging circumstances.
While the bacterium has lost the capacity to utilize certain energy sources, it highlights the adaptability of microbial life in space habitats. Recent studies have shown that novel bacteria found in clean rooms used for spacecraft preparation possess genes that enhance their survival in harsh environments.
Understanding the behavior and adaptation of microorganisms in space is crucial for ensuring the safety of astronauts and spacecraft. The potential health risks posed by bacteria like N. tiangongensis, particularly in immunocompromised individuals, underscore the importance of studying space microbiomes.
As humanity prepares for missions to the Moon and beyond, gaining insights into the microbial passengers sharing our space environment is essential. This research, published in the International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology, sheds light on the fascinating world of space microbiology.
