Can microbes survive in space? This study answers the question
Scientists have discovered a new microbe species aboard China's Tiangong space station. Named Niallia tiangongensis, this strain shows unique adaptations to space. The discovery, made during the Shenzhou 15 mission, offers insight into how microbes survive in orbit and may help protect astronauts on long-term space missions.
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New Microbe Found
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Traits of New Strain
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The Study
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A new species of microbe has been found on the Chinese Tiangong space station . Scientists analyzed samples from the station and identified a strain not seen before. The discovery was confirmed in a scientific journal.The strain, Niallia tiangongensis , was discovered in samples collected during the Shenzhou 15 crewed mission. This mission returned to Earth in June 2023. The samples were taken from surfaces inside Tiangong. Scientists later studied these samples in laboratories on Earth.Researchers confirmed that the microbe is a new strain using different methods. They used morphological observation, genome sequencing and metabolic profiling. These methods showed that the strain belongs to the genus Niallia and the family Cytobacillaceae. The microbe is related to another strain found on Earth. That strain exists in soil and waste. It can infect people with weak immune systems.The new strain has several traits that are different from its Earth-based relatives. It shows a stronger oxidative stress response. It also forms a biofilm that helps it repair radiation damage. These traits help the microbe survive in space. The differences come from changes in two types of proteins in the microbe. Scientists believe these traits are adaptations to space.China's astronauts collect microbe samples from different areas inside Tiangong. These areas include air vents, surfaces and water dispensers. Monitoring microbes helps protect astronauts and keep the space station working well. This regular monitoring helped researchers discover the new strain.This study was done by scientists from the Shenzhou Space Biotechnology Group and the Beijing Institute of Spacecraft System Engineering. The findings were published in the International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology in March 2025.The discovery helps scientists understand how microbes adapt in space and how to protect astronauts during long missions.It was identified using morphological studies, genome sequencing and metabolic profiling from samples taken aboard the Tiangong station.
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