Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #30755: Can Space Fungi Help Shield Us from Cosmic Radiation?

Radiation is one of the biggest dangers astronauts face in space. Without Earth's protective atmosphere, astronauts are exposed to higher levels of cosmic and solar radiation. This radiation can damage DNA and increase the risk of cancer and other health problems. Traditional radiation shielding, like thick walls or metal barriers, adds weight and isn't always effective. That’s where nature might come to the rescue.

The experiment "Evaluation of Radiotrophic Fungi as a Potential Radiation Barrier" explored whether certain types of fungi could be used to protect astronauts from space radiation. The research was led by Michelle Lucas from Higher Orbits and developed by Space Tango, Inc. during Expeditions 57 and 58 to the International Space Station (ISS).

Radiotrophic fungi are unique organisms that appear to use radiation as a source of energy, similar to how plants use sunlight. One example is *Cladosporium sphaerospermum*, a black mold found in the ruins of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. Scientists noticed this fungus seemed to thrive in high-radiation environments, leading to questions about how it interacts with radiation.

The ISS experiment tested how effectively this fungus could shield against radiation in microgravity. A small payload containing the fungus was flown to the ISS, where it grew and was monitored for several weeks. Sensors measured radiation levels with and without the fungal layer to determine its shielding effectiveness.

Results showed that even a thin layer of the fungus reduced radiation levels slightly. While it’s not enough to fully protect astronauts on its own, combining fungal shielding with other materials could improve overall radiation protection. Plus, fungi are lightweight, self-replicating, and can be grown in space—making them a promising solution for long-term missions to the Moon or Mars.

The idea of using biology to solve space challenges is a fascinating frontier. Instead of shipping tons of metal to space, we might one day grow our own radiation shields using living organisms. This not only saves resources but also supports sustainable exploration.

This experiment represents a step toward using biological materials for space infrastructure, part of a broader effort to create self-sustaining habitats for deep-space missions.

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