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Life and Research Inside the International Space Station (ISS)
Microbial Contamination and Biofilms on ISS Surfaces
The International Space Station (ISS) is a unique environment where microbial contamination is a significant concern. Research conducted from 2011 to 2016 under the VIABLE ISS project evaluated bacterial contamination on various surface materials. The study found low bacterial contamination levels, with microbial communities primarily consisting of Enterobacteriales, Bacillales, Lactobacillales, and Actinomycetales. Interestingly, neither the type of material nor pre-treatment methods significantly affected bacterial load or community composition, although slight variations were observed based on surface exposure to air.
Influence of Crewmember Microbiome on ISS Surfaces
The microbial composition of the ISS is influenced by its crew. A study comparing the microbiome of a crewmember with that of the ISS surfaces found that the microbial communities on the crewmember's skin, nostrils, and ears were more similar to those on the ISS surfaces than those from the mouth and saliva. This similarity was more pronounced when the crewmember collected the samples themselves, indicating a direct transfer of microbes from the crew to the ISS environment. This research underscores the importance of monitoring both crew and environmental microbiomes to maintain a healthy habitat for long-term space missions.
Radiation Environment and Solar Particle Events
The ISS is exposed to various radiation sources, including galactic cosmic radiation and trapped radiation from the Van Allen belts. Additionally, sporadic solar particle events (SPEs) can significantly increase radiation levels. For instance, the SPE on September 10, 2017, was measured using the DOSIS 3D-DOSTEL and ISS-RAD instruments, revealing an additional dose of 146.2 µGy and 67.8 µGy in silicon, respectively. These findings highlight the need for continuous radiation monitoring to protect the crew from harmful exposure.
Resilient Microorganisms in ISS Dust Samples
Microorganisms in the ISS must adapt to extreme conditions such as microgravity, desiccation, and increased radiation. Analysis of 8-12-year-old dust samples from the Russian ISS modules revealed the presence of resilient microorganisms, including bacteria and archaea. These microbes exhibited robust resistance to heat-shock and antibiotics, indicating their adaptation to the harsh ISS environment. The study also found differences between the microbial communities in the Russian and US segments of the ISS, suggesting that different modules may harbor distinct microbial populations.
Environmental Biocontamination on the ISS
A comprehensive survey of biocontamination on the ISS revealed the presence of various microorganisms in potable water, air, and on surfaces. Dominant genera included Sphingomonas and Methylobacterium in water, Staphylococcus in air and surfaces, and Aspergillus and Penicillium among fungi. Although some nucleic acids of pathogens were detected, no viable pathogens were recovered. This survey emphasizes the importance of ongoing microbial monitoring to ensure the safety and health of the ISS crew.
Conclusion
The ISS represents a unique and challenging environment for both humans and microorganisms. Studies have shown that microbial contamination is influenced by the crew, surface materials, and environmental conditions. Continuous monitoring and research are essential to maintain a safe and healthy habitat for astronauts, especially as we prepare for longer missions beyond low Earth orbit. Understanding the interplay between humans and microbes in space will be crucial for the success of future space exploration endeavors.
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