Two astronauts are set to make a remarkable journey outside the International Space Station (ISS) to swab its exterior in search of microbial life. The mission is part of a comprehensive study of microbial life inside and outside the space station, a crucial part of understanding how to protect astronauts' health during long duration space missions. The study, led by the NASA astronauts themselves, may provide significant insights into how microbes can survive in the harsh conditions of space.
The astronauts, Thomas Pesquet of the European Space Agency and Shane Kimbrough of NASA, will collect samples from the space station's surface. These samples will then be analyzed back on Earth. The duo will also replace a part of the station's solar array, demonstrating the multiple tasks that astronauts must undertake during their spacewalks.
The study of microbial life in space has been an ongoing effort. Previous studies have revealed the presence of microbes inside the ISS, some of which are known to cause diseases in humans. However, this will be the first time that astronauts will actively search for microbes on the station's exterior. The results could be groundbreaking, potentially revealing new information about how life can survive in the harsh and unforgiving environment of space.
Astronauts' health is of paramount importance during space missions. Knowledge about the microbial environment they are exposed to can help in developing protective measures. For example, the presence of harmful microbes could lead to the development of new cleaning methods or changes in the materials used to build future spacecraft.
The brave endeavor of astronauts Thomas Pesquet and Shane Kimbrough in swabbing the exterior of the ISS for microbial life is not only a significant scientific feat but also a testament to the human spirit of curiosity and discovery. The findings of this mission could potentially change our understanding of life in space and its implications for future interstellar travel.