Scientists Successfully Mine Meteorites on International Space Station — Using Microbes

Scientists successfully mine meteorites on International Space Station — using microbes

Using microorganisms to mine meteorites could be an effective way to extract precious metals in space, scientists say after successful International Space Station test.

ISS Experiment Reveals the Secret Ingredient for Asteroid Mining: Microbes

An experiment on board the ISS tested the use of microorganisms to mine asteroids in the microgravity environment.

Microbes Can Mine Metals In Space. Scientists Think They Could Help Humans Explore the Stars.

Finding resources far from Earth is a well-known spaceflight limitation, but metal-harvesting microbes provide a method for tapping outer space’s mineral wealth.

Space Station Microbes Harvest Metals from Meteorites

How can microbes be used to help enhance human space exploration, specifically on the Moon and Mars? This is what a recent study published in npj Micrograv

Microbes Harvest Metals From Meteorites Aboard The International Space Station - Astrobiology

If humankind is to explore deep space, one small passenger should not be left behind: microbes. In fact, it would be impossible to leave them behind, since they live on and in our bodies, surfaces and food. Learning how they react to space conditions is critical, but they could also be invaluable fellows in our […] The post Microbes Harvest Metals From Meteorites Aboard The International Space Station appeared first on Astrobiology.

Microbes harvest metals from meteorites aboard space station

Ithaca, NY (SPX) Feb 16, 2026 If humankind is to explore deep space, one small passenger should not be left behind: microbes. In fact, it would be impossible to leave them behind, since they live on and in our bodies, surfaces and food. Learning how they react to space conditions is critical, but they could also be invaluable fellows in our endeavor to explore space. Microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi can