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 …

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 …

Microbiological research has made important discoveries about how life responds to non-
terrestrial environments, such as those found aboard the International Space Station. As …

I n the 1960s, President John F. Kennedy said that our thirst for “knowledge and progress”
made the “exploration of space [inevitable, and] one of the great adventures of all time.” …

Pseudomonas is an opportunistic pathogen that has difficulty infecting healthy people.
However, astronaut bodies are under a lot of stress. For example, microgravity changes the …

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 …

Abstract Growth Kinetics and Motility Genetics Antibiotic Effectiveness Crew Health and Life
Support Sporulation and Secondary Metabolites Future Opportunities

A driving force behind space exploration is the search for extraterrestrial life and/or
environmental conditions that may give rise to or support it. To prevent forward …