Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #31664: Can UV Light Stop Bacteria in Space? Students Explore E. Coli in Orbit

Building on earlier experiments, Riverside Christian High School partnered again with other institutions to investigate how E. coli bacteria react to ultraviolet (UV) radiation in microgravity. UV light is known to damage bacterial DNA, making it a useful sterilization tool on Earth. But how effective is it in space?

This project focused on exposing E. coli samples to UV light while aboard the International Space Station. The students hypothesized that without gravity, UV rays might have a different effect on bacterial growth and survival. Would the DNA damage be more extensive? Would bacteria develop unique resistance mechanisms?

The experiment had to consider several technical challenges: creating a UV delivery system that was safe, ensuring the bacteria remained viable for the duration of the study, and measuring bacterial changes after UV exposure. The results could reveal how microbes adapt to extreme environments and help improve decontamination techniques for spacecraft.

This research has broader implications. It could guide how we sanitize future space habitats, protect astronauts from harmful microbes, and even design better antimicrobial technologies for use on Earth. The study embodies the spirit of scientific curiosity and demonstrates how student-led investigations can contribute meaningfully to global space research.

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