Chernobyl Fungus and Space Radiation
Inside the radioactive environment of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, a unique fungus called Cladosporium sphaerospermum has developed an extraordinary ability: it uses radiation as an energy source through a process termed radiosynthesis, similar to how plants use sunlight in photosynthesis. This fungus not only survives but thrives in extreme radiation zones, converting gamma radiation into chemical energy, essentially "eating" radiation.
Potential for Space Travel Radiation Shielding
This radiotrophic fungus has promising applications for protecting astronauts during long-duration space missions. Researchers have tested C. sphaerospermum aboard the International Space Station (ISS), where a thin layer of this fungus reduced radiation levels by about 2%. When the fungus reaches full maturity, its radiation shielding capabilities increase significantly, demonstrating the potential to reduce ionizing radiation by approximately 4.34% with sufficient coverage.
Advantages for Deep Space Missions
The self-replicating nature of C. sphaerospermum makes it particularly valuable for space travel. Rather than relying on heavy, costly materials transported from Earth, astronauts could potentially cultivate the fungus in situ to generate radiation shields. Estimates suggest that a roughly 21 cm thick layer of this fungus could significantly deflect the annual radiation dose found on Mars’ surface, helping to mitigate one of the biggest health risks in extraterrestrial environments.
Growth Rates and Compatibility
Interestingly, in space conditions aboard the ISS, the fungus exhibited faster growth than on Earth, reaching full maturity in about 48 hours—much quicker than the usual 14 days observed on Earth. This accelerated growth supports the feasibility of using the fungus for in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) strategies in space exploration.
"Cladosporium sphaerospermum reached maximum growth rate after approximately 18 hours, and full maturity after 48 hrs in orbit."
Summary
The radiation-eating fungus from Chernobyl offers a novel, biologically based method for radiation protection in space travel, combining radiation absorption with self-replication, which could revolutionize how astronauts safeguard themselves on long missions beyond Earth.
This fungus's unique ability to convert deadly radiation into energy and its potential for self-sustaining growth could transform radiation shielding for future space exploration, reducing weight and supply constraints.
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