What Happens to Microbes in Space?
What is it?
Because humans have been to space, microbes have too! Whether a microbe survives depends on where it is. Out in the open, too much UV radiation or extreme heat can kill it quickly, but tucked away inside a spacecraft, microbes do just fine. Scientists have found that microbes in space grow and act differently than on Earth. This is surprising, because microbes are too tiny to feel gravity. One theory is that the liquid microbes live in during space expeditions mixes differently without gravity, changing how the microbes behave.
3 Things to Know
Scientists study this partly to make sure we don't accidentally spread Earth microbes to other planets.
Most microbes sent to space for research are often freeze dried and packed into sealed plastic bags.
Scientists are building "kill switches," which are built-in ways to shut microbes off, so they can be used safely in space.
Fun Fact
The Apollo astronauts left 96 bags of human waste on the Moon! Scientists want to go back and check whether any of the microbes inside are still alive after 50 years.
Current research
How does living without gravity change the way microbes eat, grow, and make energy?
Explore!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmiTbWA5UG0
https://www.nasa.gov/general/nasa-study-to-analyze-fermented-food-samples-from-space/