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 …

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 …

Human presence in space is inextricably linked with microbes. The topic of “Space
Microbiology” emerged the moment we stepped into space (Antipov et al., 1962; Hotchin et …

After a less dynamic period, space exploration is now booming. There has been a sharp
increase in the number of current missions and also of those being planned for the near …

Abstract The National Research Council (NRC) has recently recognized the International
Space Station (ISS) as uniquely suitable for furthering the study of microbial species in …

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 …

Previous space research conducted during short-term flight experiments and long-term
environmental monitoring on board orbiting space stations suggests that the relationship …

Based on modern microbiology, we propose a major revision in current space exploration
philosophy and planetary protection policy, especially regarding microorganisms in space …

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 …