Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #31349: Monitoring Microbes in Space: Safeguarding Astronaut Health

Imagine spending months in space and not knowing what kinds of microbes are floating around with you. The "On-board Microorganism Monitoring in Spacecrafts" experiment, led by Dr. Takashi Yamazaki of Teikyo University and supported by JAXA, aimed to change that.

Microorganisms are everywhere—including on the International Space Station (ISS). While many are harmless or even beneficial, some can pose risks to astronaut health. In space, our immune systems may become weaker, making it easier for harmful bacteria to cause infections. That’s why it’s essential to monitor these invisible co-passengers.

This experiment was carried out during Expeditions 37 and 38 and focused on developing tools and methods to detect and track microorganisms in real time on the ISS. The ultimate goal was to identify any potentially harmful bacteria quickly so that astronauts could take action before they posed a serious health risk.

Scientists used advanced DNA sequencing and microbial culturing techniques to identify the microbial communities present on different surfaces of the spacecraft. By understanding how these populations change over time, especially in the closed and unique environment of a space station, researchers can develop better sanitation methods and design spacecraft with fewer contamination risks.

The implications of this research go beyond just space missions. The technologies and protocols developed could also improve infection control in hospitals, submarines, and other confined environments on Earth.

This ongoing vigilance helps ensure that astronauts can stay healthy while contributing valuable data for science and health innovations back home.

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