Rocket test proves bacteria survive space launch and re-entry unharmed
A world-first study has proven microbes essential for human health can survive the extreme forces of space launch.
Space agencies are planning to send crews to Mars within decades but sustaining life on the red planet would be more difficult if important bacteria die during the flight. Now an Australian-led study has found the spores of Bacilus subtilis, a bacterium essential for human health, can survive rapid acceleration, short-duration microgravity and rapid deceleration.
Study co-author Distinguished Professor Elena Ivanova from RMIT University said the findings add to our overall understanding of how living organisms respond to the unique environment of space.
Although humans have been living on board space stations for short stints since the 1970s, bacteria like B. subtilis are important to sustain healthy human life over decades, which will be needed for a future Mars colony. B. subtilis bacteria contribute towards support the immune system, gut health and blood circulation.