### New Resilient Microbe Discovered on Chinese Space Station Tiangong

In a remarkable discovery, scientists have identified a previously unknown microbe aboard China's orbiting space station, Tiangong. This finding, published in the International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology, underscores the importance of understanding microbial life in space to ensure the safety and health of astronauts.

The newly discovered bacterium, named Niallia tiangongensis, was found on swabs taken from the interiors of the Tiangong space station. This unexpected inhabitant of low Earth orbit proves to be exceptionally resilient, enduring the extreme conditions of microgravity. The swabs were collected by astronauts from Tiangong’s Shenzhou-15 mission in May 2023 as part of a broader survey under the China Space Station Habitation Area Microbiome Program.

Niallia tiangongensis seems closely related to Niallia circulans, a bacterium typically found in soil. However, it is yet to be determined whether this microbe evolved during its time on the space station or if it existed on Earth before its journey to space. What distinguishes this new microbial species is its ability to form protective biofilms and its spore-forming capabilities, enabling it to survive in severe environments by breaking down gelatin for essential nutrients.

This discovery follows a similar finding last year when scientists detected a mutated, drug-resistant bacterial strain on the International Space Station (ISS). Although both the Tiangong and ISS microbes are notable for their resilience in space, they exhibit distinct differences in their composition and functionalities.

Understanding the characteristics and behaviors of these microbes during extended space missions remains vital. While it is not yet clear if Niallia tiangongensis poses any risk to the astronauts aboard Tiangong, further research is essential. The scientists emphasize that studying such microbial strains is crucial not only for the health of astronauts but also for maintaining the operational integrity of spacecraft on long-term missions.