With the construction of the International Space Station, humans have been continuously
living and working in space for 22 years. Microbial studies in space and other extreme …

The ubiquitous nature of microbiology is reflected in the diversity of microbiological research
and operational efforts at NASA. For example, the impact of microorganisms on other …

One of the biggest challenges of science is the determination of whether extraterrestrial life
exists. Although potential habitable areas might be available for complex life, it is more likely …

Extension of human habitation into space requires that humans carry with them many of the
microorganisms with which they coexist on Earth. The ubiquity of microorganisms in close …

During space missions, astronauts are faced with a variety of challenges that are unique to
spaceflight and that have been known to cause physiological changes in humans over a …

Astronauts will face a host of challenges on long-duration space missions like a human
expedition to Mars, including the difficulty of maintaining a balanced and healthy …

Abstract The inaugural “Microbiome for Mars” virtual workshop took place on July 13, 2020.
This event assembled leaders in microbiome research and development to discuss their …

Long-term human space exploration missions require environmental control and closed Life
Support Systems (LSS) capable of producing and recycling resources, thus fulfilling all the …

Abstract Background The International Space Station (ISS) is a closed system inhabited by
microorganisms originating from life support systems, cargo, and crew that are exposed to …

Background Clean rooms of the Space Assembly Facility (SAF) at the Jet Propulsion
Laboratory (JPL) at NASA are the final step of spacecraft cleaning and assembly before …