Asteroids and meteorites are treasure chests in space, full of valuable metals essential for future colonies. The big question has always been: how do we get these resources? Recent findings aboard the International Space Station hinted at an intriguing solution—tiny living organisms. Yes, microbes might help us mine space rocks!
In a study featured in npj Microgravity, researchers discovered that these microbes can effectively extract metals from meteorite pieces, even in microgravity conditions. This could mean a future where we use biology to help create sustainable living spaces in the cosmos.
Why Microbes?
As we plan missions further into space, bringing supplies from Earth becomes tricky. Future bases on the Moon or Mars will likely rely on local resources. Many asteroids are rich in metals that could be crucial for building infrastructure and supporting human life.
Instead of heavy machinery, scientists are exploring biomining. This approach uses microorganisms to leach metals from rock slowly. These tiny life forms produce organic acids, breaking down minerals and making metals available.
Setup for the meteorite mining experiment. Credit: NASA
The BioAsteroid Experiment
In 2020, scientists from Cornell University and the University of Edinburgh took the BioAsteroid experiment to the space station. They put fragments of an L-chondrite meteorite in sealed containers with two types of microbes: Sphingomonas desiccabilis and Penicillium simplicissimum.
Over 19 days, the microbes thrived on the meteorite pieces while astronauts kept an eye on the setup. According to Rosa Santomartino, a biological engineer leading the research, this is a groundbreaking study. It could change how we think about space mining.
To compare, a similar experiment was conducted on Earth under normal gravity conditions.
What Did the Microbes Achieve?
When the samples returned, scientists analyzed 44 elements that dissolved from the rock. Notably, microbial activity aided in extracting 18 of them. In microgravity, the fungus adapted. It produced more substances like carboxylic acids, which helped dissolve minerals and release metals like palladium and platinum—both vital for technology.
Santomartino noted, “Microbes don’t improve extraction itself but maintain a steady level, despite gravity changes.” Interestingly, traditional chemical extraction methods struggled in microgravity, but microbial methods showed stability. The fungus even formed tiny communities directly on the meteorite surface.
High-resolution images of L-Chondrites in different gravity settings. Credit: Santomartino & al.
Future Applications of Asteroid Biomining
The microbes experienced controlled conditions, not the harsh vacuum of space. The experiment units were filled with sterilized meteorite fragments and provided a nutrient solution for growth. Beyond metal extraction, these microbes could break down regolith, potentially releasing nutrients like potassium and phosphorus that would help sustain life.
The research aligns with earlier studies showing that bacteria can extract rare earth elements in space. According to Alessandro Stirpe, differences between Earth and space were minimal. Santomartino summed it up well: “Microbes and fungi are incredibly diverse, and space’s complexities mean there’s still much to discover.”
This exciting new frontier in biomining could reshape our approach to building life beyond Earth, showcasing just how intertwined biology and technology may become in our quest for space exploration.
