- Astronauts, including Sunita Williams, are at risk from a multi-drug resistant ‘space bug’ on the ISS.
- The bacteria, Enterobacter bugandensis, infects the respiratory system and has become more potent in space.
- NASA extends Williams’ mission to June 18, including a spacewalk on June 13.
NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore recently arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) in the Starliner spacecraft. However, their mission has encountered a serious health threat. A multi-drug resistant bacteria, Enterobacter bugandensis, also known as a ‘superbug’, has been detected on the ISS. This bacterium, capable of infecting the respiratory system, has become more dangerous in the station’s closed environment.
The bacteria, not extraterrestrial but brought from Earth, have evolved in the microgravity and closed-loop system of the ISS, making them more potent. NASA’s Dr. Kasthuri Venkateswaran and his team have isolated thirteen strains of this superbug from the ISS, highlighting the increased health risks for the crew.
Sunita Williams, on her third space mission and the first woman to test the Boeing Starliner spacecraft, flew from Earth on June 5 and docked on the ISS on June 6. Initially scheduled for 10 days, NASA has extended the mission to June 18 to allow for a spacewalk on June 13 and further system checkouts of the Starliner.
