A study publish in Meteoritics & Planetary Science has report the discovery of terrestrial micro-organisms in a sample return from asteroid Ryugu by Japan’s Hayabusa2 mission. As per researchers, these microbes, identified as Earth-based in origin, had colonise the sample after its return to Earth in December 2020.
The findings have highlight concerns regarding the resilience of terrestrial life forms and the challenges of maintaining uncontaminate extraterrestrial samples for scientific analysis.
As per report, it was confirm by Dr Matthew Genge, planetary scientist at Imperial College London, that micro-organisms were detect on the asteroid fragment.
Dr Matthew Genge said during an interview with the publication that it was observe that microbes appeare on the rock and multiplie before dying.
It was clarified that the bacteria were not extraterrestrial, as the growth occurre only after exposure to Earth’s atmosphere.
As per reports, the sample, which was initially test using nano-X-ray compute tomography, had shown no signs of biological presence.
But, following exposure to Earth’s environment, rod- and filament-shaped structures resembling bacteria were identified.
The microbial population reportedly increase from 11 to 147 within a week, with their rapid colonisation attribute to the resilient nature of Earth’s microbes.
It has note in the research that terrestrial contamination poses risks to planetary exploration.
Dr Matthew Genge emphasise that microorganisms capable of surviving on extraterrestrial materials may complicate future missions aimed at detecting alien life.
He that it demonstrates how easily Earth-based microbes can colonise foreign materials.
The study’s findings underline the necessity for rigorous planetary protection protocols.
These measures, design to minimise biological contamination of extraterrestrial environments, are being implemente to ensure the integrity of future missions.
According to sources, further investigations of Ryugu samples and material from asteroid Bennu are being plan, with scientists aiming to mitigate the contamination risks observe in this study.
