NASA is preparing for human exploration of Mars, but is concerned about contaminating the planet with Earth’s bacteria. A new study has identified bacteria, including Acinetobacter, that can survive industrial solvents used for cleaning. Acinetobacter has been found on the Mars Odyssey orbiter, the Mars Phoenix lander, and outside the International Space Station.
At NASA, all systems are ready for human exploration of Mars, possibly as early as the 2030s. Scientists say the planet has conditions suitable for life, now or in the past. The last thing NASA wants to do is contaminate the planet with Earth’s bacteria. So the space agency is super serious about keeping work areas clean, from workers in full-body sterile suits to state-of-the-art air filtration. And all surfaces are regularly sprayed with industrial solvents. However, a new study published in the journal Astrobiology has identified the types of bacteria that actually feed on these solvents.
Bacteria That Can’t Be Beaten:
The most virulent microbe in this community of super tough bacteria is known as Acinetobacter. Researchers have suggested that the bacteria might actually be using cleaning products as an energy source.
Strains of Acinetobacter are not troubled by hydrogen peroxide, the chemical used in bleaches, detergents and disinfectants. “There is no such thing as 100% sterility,” concluded the scientists.
Acinetobacter has been identified on the Mars Odyssey orbiter, on floors where the Mars Phoenix lander was built, and even outside the International Space Station.
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