Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #30797: DNA Under Fire: Studying Mutations in Space with Bacillus subtilis Spores

The experiment titled "Mutational Spectra of Bacillus subtilis Spores and Plasmid DNA Exposed to High Vacuum and Solar UV Radiation in Space Environment" might sound like a mouthful, but it’s actually a crucial step toward understanding how DNA behaves in outer space. Led by N. Munakata and facilitated by the European Space Agency (ESA), this study sought to analyze how high-energy radiation and vacuum conditions in space affect genetic material.

Using spores of *Bacillus subtilis*—a model organism known for its resistance to extreme conditions—scientists placed DNA samples outside the ISS. These samples were then exposed to the vacuum of space and intense ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. The goal? To observe how space conditions induce mutations in DNA.

Why does this matter? Because DNA is the blueprint of life, and understanding its stability in space environments is essential for everything from long-duration spaceflight to the search for extraterrestrial life. If astronauts’ DNA is vulnerable to space-induced mutations, it could affect their health on missions to Mars or beyond. Similarly, if DNA can remain stable in space, it could support theories about life's ability to spread across the universe.

Researchers recovered the samples after the mission and analyzed them for genetic changes. They compared the mutation types, frequency, and severity to similar experiments done under controlled lab conditions. The comparison revealed how space-specific factors accelerate or modify the mutation process.

The findings have multiple applications. In human health, it can lead to better protective strategies against cosmic radiation. In biotechnology, it enhances our knowledge of DNA repair and stability. And in astrobiology, it deepens our understanding of whether life could arise or persist on other planets.

This study isn’t just about spores and DNA—it’s about decoding the survival playbook of life in space. It brings us closer to making human space travel safer and helps us design experiments to search for life far from Earth.

Get certified with over 100 hours of immersive, self-paced learning in astronomy, cosmology, space technology, and climate science through the Agnirva Space Internship Program. Join, complete virtual projects, and earn a digital certificate to showcase your space fluency in interviews, resumes, and beyond.