Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #31776: Superoxide Secrets in Space: Studying Microbial Life in Orbit

The experiment titled 'Influence of Factors of Space Flight on Superoxide Strain Producer' aimed to study how the space environment affects certain microorganisms. Led by Yu. Zerov from Biopreparat, the research focused on microbes capable of producing superoxide—an important reactive oxygen species involved in both biological defense and industrial applications.

During Expeditions 16 through 20 aboard the ISS, samples of superoxide-producing strains were exposed to microgravity, radiation, and other spaceflight conditions. Scientists measured changes in growth, mutation rates, enzyme production, and stress responses.

Why does this matter? Superoxide-producing microbes have potential applications in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and environmental cleanup. Understanding how they react to spaceflight conditions helps refine our use of microbial technology in both space missions and Earth-based industries.

Students interested in biology and biotechnology will find this experiment especially fascinating—it shows how space can serve as a living lab for exploring microbial genetics, adaptation, and bioengineering.

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.