Scientists Unveil 26 New Bacterial Species in NASA Cleanrooms

Scientists have discovered **26 new bacterial species** within the cleanrooms of NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, revealing unexpected resilience among microbes in one of the world’s most sterile environments. This finding underscores the challenges of preventing microbial contamination as humanity prepares for deeper exploration of other planets, including Mars.

The cleanrooms at NASA are designed to be exceptionally sterile. They employ advanced filtration systems, strict humidity control, and rigorous cleaning protocols to eliminate potential contaminants. Despite these precautions, researchers have found that life can persist even in the harshest conditions. According to a study published in May 2023 in the journal **Microbiome**, these microbes possess unique genetic adaptations that enable them to thrive in an environment typically hostile to microbial life.

Alexandre Rosado, a professor of Bioscience at the **King Abdullah University of Science and Technology** in Saudi Arabia and a co-author of the study, described the discovery as a moment that prompted scientists to “stop and re-check everything.” He emphasized the significance of identifying these hardy organisms, as any microbe capable of evading standard cleanroom controls could also bypass planetary protection measures designed to prevent contamination of extraterrestrial environments.

The **Kennedy Space Center** cleanrooms have long been the site of careful assembly for missions, including the **Phoenix Mars Lander**, which was prepared there in **2007**. During the assembly process, researchers collected and preserved **215 bacterial strains** from various locations within the cleanroom. These samples were taken before, during, and after the spacecraft’s assembly and testing phases.

As technology has advanced over the past 17 years, scientists can now sequence nearly every gene carried by these microbes. This has allowed for a deeper understanding of how often and for how long different bacteria appear in cleanroom environments. Rosado noted that this capability was not available during the initial stages of the **Phoenix** mission.

The recent analysis revealed various survival strategies employed by the newly identified species. Many carry genes that confer resistance to cleaning chemicals, facilitate the formation of biofilms, repair radiation-damaged DNA, and produce dormant spores. These adaptations enable them to survive in the less accessible areas of cleanrooms, making them valuable for testing decontamination protocols used by space agencies.

To further investigate the potential for these microbes to survive space travel, researchers are constructing a **planetary simulation chamber** at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology. This facility, currently in its final assembly phase, aims to replicate conditions similar to those found on Mars, including low atmospheric pressure, high radiation levels, and extreme temperature fluctuations. Pilot experiments are anticipated to begin in early **2026**.

Rosado explained that these controlled environments will allow scientists to study how microbes adapt and endure under conditions analogous to those experienced during space travel and on the Martian surface. Understanding these survival mechanisms is crucial not only for planetary protection but also for advancements in biotechnology and astrobiology.

Despite the advanced measures taken to maintain cleanliness, Rosado emphasized that “cleanrooms don’t contain ‘no life.'” The presence of these bacteria, albeit rare, highlights the ongoing challenges faced by researchers aiming to protect other worlds from Earth organisms.

In light of these findings, the next steps for researchers include coordinated long-term sampling across multiple cleanrooms. By employing standardized methods and conducting controlled experiments, scientists hope to gain further insights into which microbial traits are most significant for planetary protection.

The discoveries made in NASA’s cleanrooms not only enhance our understanding of microbial resilience but also carry profound implications for future space exploration efforts, underscoring the need for continued vigilance in preserving extraterrestrial ecosystems.