Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #31716: Probiotics in Orbit: Students Explore How Friendly Bacteria Behave in Space

Probiotics—those friendly bacteria that support gut health—are widely used on Earth. But how do they behave in space? This was the focus of 'NanoRacks-Valley Christian High School-The Effect of Microgravity on Probiotic Growth,' an experiment conducted by students from Valley Christian High School.

The research aimed to understand whether probiotics can survive and grow in space, and whether their beneficial properties remain intact in microgravity. This question is crucial for future astronauts who may rely on probiotics to maintain digestive health during long-term space missions.

The student team selected a strain of probiotic bacteria and designed a growth system suitable for space. The culture medium and bacteria were sealed in a biocontainer and launched to the ISS, where conditions were monitored for temperature, duration, and light exposure. Samples were returned to Earth for comparison with control samples grown under similar conditions on the ground.

Analysis revealed differences in colony size, growth rate, and metabolic activity. Some bacteria appeared to grow faster in space, while others showed altered characteristics. These changes could affect how well probiotics work for astronauts and require more study to ensure their reliability.

This experiment underscores the importance of microbiology in space health. It also highlights how student-led research can tackle big questions with real-world implications. Their results may influence future space nutrition and medicine.

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.