Microbes can mine metals in space and may aid space exploration

A study of meteorite samples aboard the ISS found microbes leached metals at similar rates in microgravity and on Earth, and a fungus showed increased metabolism that helped extract 18 of 44 tested elements.

Scientists report that microbes can leach metals from meteorite material in microgravity at rates comparable to Earth. The experiment returned results from a study carried to the International Space Station as part of the BioAsteroid project. Samples and microbes were launched on December 6, 2020, on SpaceX's CRS-21 resupply mission. The research team from Cornell University and the University of Edinburgh published the findings in npj Microgravity with support from NASA astronaut Michael S. Hopkins. Key findings: - The experiment tested the bacterium Sphingomonas desiccabilis and the fungus Penicillium simplicissimum on L-chondrite asteroid material. - Microgravity increased microbial metabolism, especially for P. simplicissimum, which produced more carboxylic acids linked to mineral processing. - The study reported successful extraction of 18 out of 44 tested elements from the meteorite material. - Microbial leaching performance remained consistent between microgravity and Earth, while nonbiological leaching showed reduced performance aboard the ISS. - Extraction rates varied by metal type, by which microbe was present, and by the gravity condition. - Authors note many combinations and complexities remain to be tested before optimal pairs are identified. Summary: The results indicate microbes can maintain metal-leaching activity in microgravity and helped recover multiple elements from asteroid material. Researchers say further experiments are needed to determine which microbe-metal combinations work best and to refine understanding of performance across different gravity conditions.