PIONEERING MICROBIOME EVOLUTION IN ORBIT
Astrobiome leads a global-first scientific initiative focused on evolving microbiota in space to accelerate discovery across health, longevity, and sustainable innovation. By sending carefully selected microbial strains to the International Space Station, we study how extreme environmental conditions shape microbial function—unlocking new biological potential for advanced applications on Earth and beyond.
PHASE 1: SELECTION & SEQUENCING
The process begins with the isolation and analysis of microbiota strains selected for their resilience and functional potential. Through DNA sequencing and bioinformatic mapping, we create a genomic baseline for each candidate. This stage enables precise data-driven selection for strains most likely to demonstrate meaningful biological adaptation in space.
PHASE 2: SPACE ADAPTATION
Selected strains are sent to the International Space Station for a 30-day research period, where they are exposed to microgravity, cosmic radiation, and environmental stress. These extreme conditions accelerate microbial evolution, resulting in measurable changes to their genetic expression, metabolic function, and system-level behavior. Post-mission, all strains are retrieved and analyzed to identify evolved traits and biological enhancements.
PHASE 3: TRANSLATION DEVELOPMENT
Following return and genomic analysis, evolved strains are assessed for performance in specific application contexts. We characterize their stability, safety, and enhanced capabilities, enabling use in areas such as advanced probiotics, precision health solutions, cellular performance, neurobiology, and sustainable agriculture. Our findings form the basis for data-sharing, co-development, and applied research programs with scientific and commercial partners.
The outcomes of this program provide microbial strains that are functionally superior and adapted to stress, offering new opportunities to develop ingredients, tools, and therapeutics for real-world challenges. By placing microbiome science into orbit, Astrobiome creates a new framework for discovery—expanding what is possible for the future of life science, planetary health, and human performance.
