US EditionRocket test proves bacteria survive space launch and re-entry unharmed
Spores of Bacillus subtilis endured forces up to 30 g and microgravity during suborbital flight, showing potential to support astronaut health on long space missions, researchers said.
- On October 6, 2025, a world-first rocket test showed Bacillus subtilis spores survived launch and re-entry in a Swedish Space Corporation-hosted study with samples from Melbourne.
- With crews to Mars planned within decades, researchers sought to test Bacillus subtilis survival to inform sustaining life and crew health on long missions, RMIT University said.
- Launched more than 60 kilometers, the sounding rocket hit about 13 g during ascent and endured 30 g deceleration while spinning about 220 times per second, with spores exposed to microgravity over six minutes.
- Now the team is seeking further funding to expand microgravity research, aiming to improve drug delivery and discovery after Ivanova said, `Our research showed an important type of bacteria for our health can withstand rapid gravity changes, acceleration and deceleration.`
- Understanding microbial limits positions researchers to guide life-detection missions and advance biotechnology on Earth, with the B. subtilis benchmark aiding studies of more delicate organisms.
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The testing of a rocket, coordinated by researchers in Australia, showed that the crucial bacteria for human health can survive the extreme forces that exist during space launch and the return to the Earth's atmosphere, thus offering...
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Microbes essential for human health can survive space launch
The microbes contribute towards supporting the immune system, gut health and blood circulation.
Some bacteria are important for human health. Researchers have now investigated what the forces do to them when launching a rocket. The results could be important for long missions in space.
Bacteria survive rocket test launch and re-entry
Rocket section for rideshare payloads. Credit: Gail Iles/RMIT University An Australian-led study has demonstrated that bacteria and microbes essential for human health can endure the rapid acceleration and microgravity environments of space flight. The study builds on understanding of the effect of spaceflight on life provides important insights for sending astronauts to Mars and other distant places in the solar system. “Our research showed an …
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