Beijing, May 19, 2025 — In a groundbreaking development for space biology, Chinese scientists have discovered a new bacterial strain aboard the Tiangong Space Station that exhibits extraordinary resistance to extreme space conditions. The microbe, now named Niallia tiangongensis, has astonished researchers with its ability to survive high levels of radiation, microgravity, and temperature fluctuations.
The discovery was made during a series of microbial monitoring experiments carried out by the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA). These studies are part of broader efforts to understand how microorganisms behave in closed space environments, which has critical implications for long-term human spaceflight and planetary protection.
According to researchers, Niallia tiangongensis was isolated from samples collected inside the station. Genetic sequencing and laboratory analysis revealed unique adaptations that allow the bacterium to thrive despite the harsh conditions of low Earth orbit. Its resilience suggests potential applications not only in space exploration but also in biotechnology and medicine on Earth.
“This discovery represents a major leap in our understanding of microbial survival in space,” said Dr. Liu Hongwei, lead microbiologist at the Chinese Academy of Sciences. “Understanding how certain bacteria adapt and persist in orbit could help us design more robust life support systems and even inform our search for life on other planets.”
The findings also raise questions about how microbes may evolve in space habitats and the need to carefully manage microbial populations on crewed missions to avoid contamination risks.
Niallia tiangongensis is thought to be a newly identified strain related to a bacterial genus commonly present in Earth’s soil and aquatic environments. Its transformation into a space-hardened variant highlights the dynamic nature of microbial life and its incredible ability to adapt under pressure.
This finding contributes to the expanding global focus on astrobiology and space microbiology, particularly as countries prepare for more advanced explorations of the Moon, Mars, and other distant worlds.
As China continues its scientific missions aboard Tiangong, more insights are expected into how life—and possibly even future biotechnologies—can flourish beyond our home planet.
