Beijing, May 17 (EFE).- Chinese researchers have identified a new bacterial strain on the Tiangong space station, marking the first discovery of an unknown species on the country's orbital laboratory, state broadcaster CCTV reported Saturday.

The bacterium, named Niallia tiangongensis, was described in an article published in the International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology, which presents the results of the morphological, genomic, and phylogenetic analysis of the microorganism.

According to the study, the strain was isolated from the surface of equipment installed on the space station as part of a microbiological monitoring program that analyzes the evolution of microorganisms during long space missions.

The discovery is part of the CHAMP project (China Space Station Habitation Area Microbiome Program), a monitoring initiative that tracks microbial dynamics inside the orbital complex.

In May 2023, the then-Tiangong crew took swabs from different areas of the station, which were subsequently frozen on board and sent back to Earth for laboratory analysis, the state network reported.

Researchers used whole genome sequencing techniques, high-resolution imaging, and phylogenetic comparative methods to determine that the strain belongs to the Niallia genus, within the Cytobacillaceae family. However, it presents genetic differences from its closest known relatives on Earth.

Laboratory tests indicate that this rod-shaped, spore-forming bacterium exhibits structural and functional variations in certain proteins related to its response to oxidative stress and the repair of radiation damage, factors that could facilitate its survival in the space environment.

The CCTV report notes that the discovery could facilitate the development of strategies aimed at controlling microorganisms in closed environments such as spacecraft, in addition to offering potential applications in areas such as agriculture, industry and medicine.

Tiangong will operate for about 10 years and could become one of the main orbital platforms in operation, especially as the International Space Station - a US-led initiative to which China is barred due to military ties to its space program - approaches its retirement, scheduled for 2030.

China has invested heavily in its space program and has successfully landed the Chang'e 4 probe on the far side of the Moon - the first time this has been achieved - and reached Mars for the first time, becoming the third country - after the former Soviet Union and the US - to land on Mars. EFE

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