Space & Astronomy

International Space Station is full of germs

By T.K. Randall
October 27, 2015

Image: ISS Astronaut Tracy Caldwell Dyson in the Cupola (2010)
Credit: Tracy Caldwell Dyson / (PD) NASA Despite its pristine appearance, the orbital outpost has been found to be teeming with germs that have been thriving in its environment of micro-gravity and elevated carbon dioxide levels.

Most common among them are Actinobacteria - a type of bacteria associated with human skin, as well as two types of potentially infectious pathogens found in recently obtained dust samples.

"By using both traditional and state-of-the-art molecular analysis techniques we can build a clearer picture of the International Space Station's microbial community, helping to spot bacterial agents that may damage equipment or threaten astronaut health," said microbiologist Dr Venkateswaran.While the findings don't necessarily mean that the astronauts are at particular risk of infection, they could lead to the adoption of more stringent cleaning practices in the future - especially during manned missions to Mars which could see astronauts living in space for years at a time.

"Astronauts are often in a compromised state in microgravity because their bodies are going through so many changes," said Dr Venkateswaran. "In an immuno-compromised condition, some of these bacteria could lead to disease."

The next step of the research will be to determine exactly how many potentially virulent pathogens are present on the station and whether or not they might pose a risk to the astronauts.

"We are stepping in the right direction, and NASA is aware that these are the things required for tomorrow's human mission to Mars," said Dr Venkateswaran.

Source: Telegraph

Tags: ISS, Astronauts