New Bacteria Have Been Discovered on a Chinese Space Station
1 min read
Summary
A previously unknown species of bacteria has been discovered on the Chinese Tiangong space station and has been named Niallia tiangongensis, according to research carried out as part of the China Space Station Habitation Area Microbiome Programme (CHAMP).
The newly discovered bacteria, which has rod-like qualities and can form spores to protect itself in harsh conditions, was found on the space station’s cockpit controls and had adapted to the unique microgravity conditions.
While it is not known if the bacteria poses a threat to humans, CHAMP’s research focused on the survival and behaviour of microorganisms in a sealed environment, and it is speculated that it could aid survival in space.
Further research may help establish whether the bacteria evolved in the space station or if it is one of the billions of unclassified bacteria believed to exist on Earth.
.jpg)