Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #31359: Mapping the Microbes of Space: Unraveling the Astronaut Metagenome

What lives on an astronaut besides the astronaut themselves? That’s not a riddle—it’s a cutting-edge scientific inquiry. Microbes accompany us everywhere we go, and space is no exception. The experiment "Mapping Astronaut Meta-GenOmics: a Microbial Profiling Research" dives deep into the microbial companions astronauts carry with them and how space affects this unique relationship.

Led by Dr. Dóra Tombácz of the University of Szeged, this research is part of Expeditions 73 and 74 aboard the ISS. Its primary goal is to study the human microbiome—the entire collection of microorganisms living in and on our bodies—under spaceflight conditions. More specifically, it maps changes in microbial communities caused by space travel using metagenomics, a technique that sequences all the genetic material from microbial samples.

The research sheds light on how microgravity, cosmic radiation, and closed environments can alter microbial behavior. Why is this important? Because some microbes become more aggressive or virulent in space, posing risks to astronaut health. Others might weaken, impacting digestion or immunity. By understanding these dynamics, scientists can develop new preventive health strategies and tailor personalized medicine approaches for space travelers.

This study doesn’t only benefit astronauts. Insights from space metagenomics can improve our understanding of antibiotic resistance, infection control, and even gut health for people on Earth. It’s a win-win for space medicine and terrestrial healthcare.

As humanity ventures further into the cosmos, understanding the micro-worlds we carry with us is just as vital as engineering spacecraft. It ensures our explorers remain healthy and mission-ready, no matter how far they travel.

Join the Agnirva Space Internship Program

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.