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NASA acidentally discovers super bacteria that could survive on Mars

NASA acidentally discovers super bacteria that could survive on Mars

Time of India25-05-2025
In a surprising discovery, NASA scientists found 26 new bacterial species in a JPL clean room, raising concerns about planetary contamination. These resilient microbes, resistant to radiation and toxins, evolved despite rigorous sterilization. While posing a threat to space missions, their unique survival traits could lead to advancements in medicine, food preservation, and biotechnology.
According to the study, published in journal Microbiome, the microbes evolved to resist the clean room's repeated sterilization efforts. They boast powerful DNA repair systems, fast metabolism, and the ability to neutralize toxins.
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Could They Survive on Mars?
In an unexpected twist, NASA scientists have discovered 26 previously unknown species of bacteria—right inside one of the cleanest places on Earth. The find, made at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), reveals that some microbes are not only resilient but may even be capable of surviving the extreme conditions of Mars The bacteria were found in a highly sterilized clean room at JPL, where the Phoenix spacecraft was assembled in 2007. Designed to be virtually free of life to prevent contaminating other planets, the lab instead harbored 215 bacterial strains. Among them, scientists identified 53 strains that belonged to 26 never-before-seen species.Some bacteria were already present before the spacecraft arrived. Others appeared during its construction and testing. Despite rigorous sterilization procedures, including exposure to toxic chemicals and radiation, these microbes didn't just survive—they adapted.'This is a serious concern for planetary protection ,' microbiologist Alexandre Rosado was quoted as saying by the Dailygalaxy. He noted that such organisms could accidentally hitch a ride to other worlds, potentially interfering with life-detection missions.These newly discovered microbes possess traits typically found in Earth's most extreme environments. They showed high resistance to radiation, toxic substances, and disinfection chemicals—features that echo extremophiles like those living in deep-sea vents or Antarctica.According to the study, published in journal Microbiome, the microbes evolved to resist the clean room's repeated sterilization efforts. They boast powerful DNA repair systems, fast metabolism, and the ability to neutralize toxins. As co-author Junia Schultz from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) put it, 'They're true survivalists.'While their resilience raises concerns about planetary contamination, these bacteria could offer breakthroughs here on Earth.Scientists believe the same genes that help them endure harsh conditions could aid in developing:This accidental discovery also reinforces the need for more stringent cleanliness standards in space missions. NASA has already begun reviewing protocols to minimize the risk of microbial contamination during future interplanetary explorations.The big question: Could these bacteria survive off Earth?While that's still being studied, their durability certainly raises the possibility. If Earth microbes are accidentally introduced to Mars or another planet, they could interfere with life-detection missions or be mistaken for alien life . They could outcompete native organisms—if any exist in the alien planets.NASA has previously conducted experiments on how microbes handle near-space environments, and this new research adds a powerful data point to that growing body of knowledge.As scientists continue to push the boundaries of space and life sciences, these rogue bacteria may turn out to be unlikely pioneers—showing us both the strength of life on Earth and the care needed when searching for it elsewhere.
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‘One mission to watch Earth': ISRO-NASA's joint satellite NISAR set for July 30 launch
‘One mission to watch Earth': ISRO-NASA's joint satellite NISAR set for July 30 launch

Hindustan Times

time2 hours ago

  • Hindustan Times

‘One mission to watch Earth': ISRO-NASA's joint satellite NISAR set for July 30 launch

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Sunday stated that the upcoming launch of NISAR, the first joint Earth observation satellite by ISRO and NASA, will mark a key milestone in Earth observation technology. The NISAR mission's primary objectives are to study land & ice deformation, land ecosystems, and oceanic regions in areas of common interest to the US and Indian science communities.(X/@isro) NISAR will be launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, on July 30 at 17:40 IST. NISAR is the first mission of its kind, jointly developed by ISRO and NASA. It is an L- and S-band, global, microwave imaging mission, with the capability to acquire fully polarimetric and interferometric data, as per an official statement from ISRO. The unique dual-band Synthetic Aperture Radar of NISAR employs the advanced, novel SweepSAR technique, which provides high-resolution and large-swath imagery. NISAR will image the global land and ice-covered surfaces, including islands, sea-ice and selected oceans, every 12 days. The NISAR mission's primary objectives are to study land & ice deformation, land ecosystems, and oceanic regions in areas of common interest to the US and Indian science communities. Also read: Modi hails Shubhanshu Shukla's return to Earth as India's new Chandrayaan moment The joint mission will accomplish multiple tasks, including measuring the woody biomass and its changes, tracking changes in the extent of active crops, understanding the changes in wetlands' extent, and mapping Greenland & Antarctica's ice sheets and the dynamics of sea ice and mountain glaciers. As per the statement, it will also help characterise land surface deformation related to seismicity, volcanism, landslides, and subsidence & uplift associated with changes in subsurface aquifers, hydrocarbon reservoirs, etc. "One mission to watch Earth. #ISRO #NASA builds, Earth benefits. This marks a key milestone in Earth observation technology. Stay tuned as we bring you closer to the mission that watches our world," ISRO sais in a post on X. "The Spacecraft is built around ISRO's I-3K Structure. It carries two major Payloads viz., L & S- Band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR). The S-band Radar system, data handling & high-speed downlink system, the spacecraft and the launch system are developed by ISRO. The L-band Radar system, the high-speed downlink system, the Solid-State Recorder, the GPS receiver, and the 9 m Boom hoisting the 12m reflector are delivered by NASA. Further, ISRO takes care of the satellite commanding and operations; NASA will provide the orbit manoeuvre plan and RADAR operations plan. NISAR mission will be aided with ground station support from both ISRO and NASA for downloading of the acquired images, which, after the necessary processing, will be disseminated to the user community," the statement added. The data acquired through S-band and L-band SAR from a single platform will help scientists understand the changes happening to Planet Earth. The complex payloads and mainframe systems have been designed, developed, qualified and realised over a period of 8 to 10 years. "The S- Band SAR and L- Band SAR were independently developed, integrated and tested at ISRO and JPL/NASA respectively. The Integrated Radar Instrument Structure (IRIS), consisting of S - Band and L - Band SAR and other payload elements were intergrated and tested at JPL/NASA and delivered to ISRO," it stated. Mainframe satellite elements and payloads were assembled, integrated and tested at URSC/ISRO. The mission phases can be broadly classified into: Launch phase, Deployment Phase, Commissioning Phase and Science Phase. NISAR will be launched onboard the GSLV-F16 launch vehicle on July 30, 2025 from ISRO's Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), also referred to as Sriharikota High Altitude Range (SHAR), located in Sriharikota on the southeast coast of the Indian peninsula. It hosts a 12m dia large reflector which shall be deployed in-orbit 9m away from the satellite by a complex multistage deployable boom designed and developed by JPL/NASA. The first 90 days after launch will be dedicated to commissioning, or In-Orbit Checkout (IOC), the objective of which is to prepare the observatory for science operations. Commissioning is divided into sub-phases of initial checks and calibrations of mainframe elements followed by JPL engineering payload and instrument checkout. The science operations phase begins at the end of commissioning and extends till end of mission life. During this phase, the science orbit will be maintained via regular maneuvers, scheduled to avoid or minimize conflicts with science observations. Extensive calibration and validation (CalVal) activities will take place. The observation plan for both L and S-band instruments, along with engineering activities (e.g., maneuvers, parameter updates, etc.), will be generated pre-launch via frequent coordination between JPL and ISRO, the statement added.

‘Is it a comet, a probe, or something else?' Meet 3I/ATLAS, the strange interstellar object baffling everyone
‘Is it a comet, a probe, or something else?' Meet 3I/ATLAS, the strange interstellar object baffling everyone

Economic Times

time2 hours ago

  • Economic Times

‘Is it a comet, a probe, or something else?' Meet 3I/ATLAS, the strange interstellar object baffling everyone

AP This diagram provided by NASA/JPL-Caltech shows the trajectory of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS as it passes through the solar system. (NASA/JPL-Caltech via AP) A mysterious interstellar object, named 3I/ATLAS, is hurtling toward the Sun at over 130,000 mph, and scientists can't agree on what exactly it on July 1, 3I/ATLAS is the third known interstellar visitor to enter our solar system, following 2017's Oumuamua and 2019's Borisov. It measures about 15 miles wide, making it larger than Manhattan. While some astronomers suggest it's a comet made of water ice and organic compounds like silicates—similar to asteroids found in the outer regions of the solar system's main belt—others aren't convinced it's natural at all. — UAPWatchers (@UAPWatchers) Harvard astrophysicist Avi Loeb, known for his bold theories about extraterrestrial intelligence, has again stirred debate. Along with researchers Adam Hibberd and Adam Crowl from the Initiative for Interstellar Studies, Loeb has proposed that 3I/ATLAS may be an alien probe, pointing to its unusual trajectory and exceptionally high speed, even greater than ?Oumuamua's. The team speculates that such characteristics could offer "advantages to extraterrestrial intelligence," suggesting the object's path might be optimized for reconnaissance. — coreyspowell (@coreyspowell) Interestingly, some theorists believe the object is older than our solar system, possibly carrying water that predates Earth. Loeb notes that 3I/ATLAS will pass close to Mars, Jupiter, and Venus, which, he argues, could provide a discreet opportunity to deploy surveillance it makes its closest approach to the Sun in late November, 3I/ATLAS will no longer be visible from Earth—a detail Loeb says could be intentional to avoid detection during its brightest phase. — latestinspace (@latestinspace) 'If it's a technological artifact,' Loeb adds, 'it could support the Dark Forest theory'—a concept suggesting that alien civilizations stay silent to avoid being discovered by potentially hostile warns that if this theory holds, defensive measures might be necessary, though the object is moving too fast for any Earth-based spacecraft to intercept before it exits the Solar discovery has triggered a storm of speculation on social media, especially on X (formerly Twitter). — ClintonDesveaux (@ClintonDesveaux) One post read: 'Hubble just captured 3I/ATLAS and it's weirder than anyone expected! It looks like a comet, it flies like a probe—and it might not be natural at all.'Another conspiracy theory account added: 'Is this Project Bluebeam in action? The mainstream media is pushing the 'hostile alien object' narrative. 3I/ATLAS could be an invader comet, just like ?Oumuamua before it mysteriously slingshotted around the Sun and left the system at an unnatural speed.' — UAPWatchers (@UAPWatchers) Whether comet or craft, 3I/ATLAS continues to fuel a heated debate—raising scientific curiosity and interstellar suspicion in equal measure.

‘NASA is under attack': Massive NASA layoffs see 20% staff fired amid Donald Trump's fund cuts; nationwide protests erupt
‘NASA is under attack': Massive NASA layoffs see 20% staff fired amid Donald Trump's fund cuts; nationwide protests erupt

Time of India

time3 hours ago

  • Time of India

‘NASA is under attack': Massive NASA layoffs see 20% staff fired amid Donald Trump's fund cuts; nationwide protests erupt

Image: Nearly 20% of NASA's workforce — approximately 3,870 employees — have exited the agency following major funding cuts under the Trump administration's plan to downsize federal agencies. The layoffs stem from the Deferred Resignation Program, with officials describing the move as an effort to make NASA 'leaner and more efficient.' The decision has triggered widespread backlash from scientists, engineers, and space policy experts, who warn of serious risks to the agency's future missions. Nationwide protests erupted over the weekend, with current and former employees calling the move a direct threat to America's leadership in space. NASA fires thousands under federal downsizing drive The second round of the Deferred Resignation Program, which closed late Friday, saw roughly 3,000 resignations on top of 870 from the first wave of departures after Trump returned to office. Including regular attrition, NASA's workforce has shrunk from over 18,000 to around 14,000, marking a 20% reduction. Those resigning have been placed on administrative leave until their official exit. The move was orchestrated under the Department of Government Efficiency, currently led by Elon Musk. NASA insists that safety remains a top priority, yet internal experts are raising alarms about the loss of institutional knowledge and highly skilled personnel. With Mars and Moon missions central to the Trump administration's ambitions, critics argue these cuts threaten mission readiness. Former NASA officials and space industry leaders are questioning the agency's capacity to manage complex space programs in the coming years. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Live Comfortably: 60m2 prefabricated bungalow for the elderly in Tebas Pre Fabricated Homes | Search Ads Search Now Undo Protests erupt over 'brain drain' and loss of legacy Protests have broken out in several cities including Houston, Washington D.C., and Cape Canaveral, where current and former NASA staff, union representatives, and supporters gathered to oppose the mass layoffs. A letter titled The Voyager Declaration, signed by hundreds of former employees, warns that irreplaceable expertise is being lost at a critical moment for U.S. space exploration. 'This is not streamlining,' one protestor said, 'this is sabotage.' Doubts over leadership as Trump's NASA pick falters Adding to the turmoil, NASA is still being led by an acting administrator after tech billionaire Jared Isaacman, Trump's initial nominee backed by Elon Musk, was rejected for the role. In the absence of permanent leadership, critics argue that the agency is navigating its most challenging transformation without a clear long-term vision or stable command structure.

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