The investigation of kombucha organisms’ resilience is not just about providing astronauts with a tasty beverage, but rather about finding ways to protect them from the harsh space environment. On Earth, our magnetic field shields us from space radiation. However, when astronauts embark on missions to locations like the moon and Mars, they are exposed to potentially harmful levels of radiation. To protect astronauts from this danger, extensive research is being conducted. Studying resilient microorganisms like those found in kombucha could contribute to this effort.

Scientists are particularly interested in understanding how tissues can regenerate after damage and how this process is connected to cell division. This knowledge could aid in the development of protective technologies, including the use of biological materials as shields for long-duration space missions. Additionally, cultivating microorganisms could prove valuable in various ways once human settlements are established on the moon, such as NASA’s planned lunar Gateway space station. These microorganisms could be utilized to generate essential resources like oxygen, maintain astronaut health, generate electricity, and aid in food production and waste processing.

“Because they can produce oxygen and function as bio-factories, this biotechnology has the potential to greatly enhance future space missions and human space exploration,” said Nicol Caplin, a deep space exploration scientist at the European Space Agency (ESA). “I hope to see our samples attached to the lunar Gateway in the future or even being utilized on the moon’s surface and beyond. Until then, we will continue to explore the possibilities offered by our bio-cultures.”