Mold is exceptionally resilient and can thrive in extremely challenging conditions. To combat its proliferation on upcoming space stations, a recent study has proposed a new technique to inhibit its growth.
Mold is exceptionally resilient and can thrive in extremely challenging conditions. To combat its proliferation on upcoming space stations, a recent study has proposed a new technique to inhibit its growth.
Scientists have developed a forecasting method for predicting unwanted microbial growth in critical areas, and this method was applied to the living conditions on the International Space Station (ISS).
By analyzing dust samples collected from the space station, researchers discovered that even brief exposure to heightened humidity levels can trigger swift microbial growth and alter the dust’s composition, providing favorable conditions for fungi and other microorganisms.
This research gives vital information on how to uphold healthy environments during future space missions, particularly as the commercial space sector prompts more individuals to live and work in orbit, according to Karen Dannemiller, the study’s senior author and an associate professor at The Ohio State University.
“Understanding the types of exposures that occur in space is crucial, especially since astronauts show changes in their immune systems,” she mentioned. “Ordinarily healthy people may be more susceptible to microorganisms in space compared to on Earth.”
The findings were published in the journal Microbiome.
Historically, spacecraft have encountered challenges with unintended microbial growth, akin to typical homes on Earth, as they also trap the moisture produced by human activities. On the ISS, dust emerges from daily activities, but if not managed, these airborne particles might lead to various health problems for the crew, including asthma, allergies, and damage to equipment and materials.
To manage dust accumulation, astronauts are required to clean the protective screens of the air filters in the space station’s ventilation system weekly. In this study, four vacuum bag samples of dust collected during these cleaning tasks were sent to Dannemiller’s research team for analysis.
After incubating the samples for two weeks under different humidity conditions to mimic situations like a temporary ventilation system failure that could cause moisture spikes, the analysis showed that fungi and bacteria could proliferate in amounts comparable to dust from residential homes.
“Spacecraft aren’t that different from what we find on Earth in terms of having a distinct indoor microbiome,” stated Nicholas Nastasi, the lead author of the study and a postdoctoral researcher at Ohio State’s Indoor Environmental Quality Laboratory. “Microbial presence is inevitable in spaces occupied by people, making it essential to control their spread because once established, they can be challenging to eliminate.”
Microbial growth is particularly prevalent in spacecraft due to the confined nature of these environments, where humans continuously exhale moisture. If moisture accumulates, mold can begin to develop, as evidenced in previous space stations like Mir. Although the ISS has significantly improved moisture handling systems, unforeseen incidents remain possible, according to Nastasi.
Furthermore, while both Earth and space environments have their own complexities, they often harbor similar foundational microbial communities, Nastasi explained. Staying informed about the development of these communities will ensure that individuals, whether in space or on Earth, can maintain a healthy indoor microbiome aboard the space station.
“In designing some of our current space station systems, we’ve gained significant insights into how to effectively manage moisture,” added Dannemiller. “Now we are learning even more that can enhance these systems in the future.”
On a broader scale, the study indicates that their research could contribute to the establishment of planetary protection protocols, aimed at preventing Earth contamination or that of any other celestial bodies humans may explore.
In the future, the team plans to investigate how other unexamined aspects of spaceflight, like microgravity, radiation, and increased carbon dioxide concentrations, influence microbial growth in similar operational space environments, such as NASA’s lunar station Gateway and other upcoming commercial initiatives. Many upcoming projects will benefit from Ohio State’s terrestrial replica of the George Washington Carver Science Park, designed to simulate the Starlab space station’s scientific environments, enabling ground-based parallel research.
“There are numerous unique factors of spaceflight we can incorporate into these microbial models to enhance their accuracy and effectiveness,” Nastasi remarked. “We will continue refining our strategies to maintain healthy environments in space, and having remarkable access to platforms like Starlab will be incredibly beneficial.”
