Unexpected Microbe Discoveries in Spacecraft Cleanrooms
Scientists have made a surprising discovery inside NASA’s spacecraft assembly cleanrooms—facilities designed to be among the most sterile environments on Earth. Despite rigorous cleaning protocols, researchers identified 26 previously unknown bacterial species thriving in these ultra-clean spaces. These microbes were found in cleanrooms used to assemble spacecraft destined for missions to Mars and other celestial bodies, raising important questions about planetary protection and microbial resilience. The newly discovered bacteria exhibit extraordinary survival capabilities. They can withstand extreme conditions such as intense radiation, chemical disinfectants, desiccation, and nutrient scarcity—conditions that would normally eliminate most life forms. Genetic analysis revealed that these microbes possess unique DNA repair mechanisms and stress-response genes, allowing them to adapt and persist in harsh environments. This makes them particularly interesting to scientists studyin...