Astronauts Use Bacteria and Fungi to Harvest Metals in Space

Demonstrates a route to in‑situ resource utilization: on‑orbit biomining experiments show microbes can extract metals from extraterrestrial material (see recent on‑station tests). [source:f04f348b-1e9a-4ce7-b2ee-3269a627bd00]

Alters spacecraft microbiome management: microbes are ubiquitous aboard spacecraft, so studying and potentially engineering biofilms is now both a health and mission‑resource consideration for long‑duration crewed missions. [source:2db8a4d2-0a29-4039-8f3b-4a0edcc21961]

Reinforces microbial resilience research and planetary protection implications: lab work showing microbes endure extreme shock pressures informs contamination risk assessments and transfer pathways between planetary bodies. [source:2f8fa1d3-507d-466d-bff9-d766830e6070]