Spacecraft microbes

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Spacecraft Microbiology

Spacecraft represent a unique environment for microbes. Spacecraft are generally classified as either manned and unmanned missions and this distinction carries profound consequences on the microbial ecology of the crafts. As on Earth, microbial communities can have both positive and negative effects. While they present hazards like degradation of equipment, infection, and confounding contamination they also offer the promise for advanced life support systems.

Spacecraft Environments

As stated the type of environment available to microbes is fundamentally determined by the presence or absence of humans on the mission.

Manned Spacecraft and Space Stations

Spacecraft designed for human occupancy provide many opportunities for humans. The same conditions that provide an oasis of earth-like conditions for humans benefit their commensal microbial partners as well.


Spacecraft represent a unique environment for bacteria.

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