Isaac Scientific Publishing

Advances in Astrophysics

Confirmation of Microbial Ingress from Space

Download PDF (491 KB) PP. 266 - 270 Pub. Date: October 18, 2018

DOI: 10.22606/adap.2018.34006

Author(s)

  • N. C. Wickramasinghe*
    University of Buckingham, UK; University of Ruhuna,Sri Lanka;Institute for the Study of Panspermia and Astrobiology,Japan
  • M. J. Rycroft
    University of Bath, UK; CAESAR Consultancy, UK
  • D.T. Wickramasinghe
    University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka; Australian National University,Australia
  • E, J. Steele
    University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka; CY O'Connor ERADE Village Foundation, Australia
  • Daryl. H. Wallis
    Institute for the Study of Panspermia and Astrobiology, Gifu, Japan
  • Robert Temple
    The History of Chinese Culture Foundation, Conway Hall, London, UK
  • G. Tokoro
    Centre for Astrobiology, University of Ruhuna, Matara, Sri Lanka;Institute for the Study of Panspermia and Astrobiology, Gifu, Japan
  • A.V. Syroeshkin
    RUDN University, 6 Miklukho-Maklaya St, Moscow, 117198, Russian Federation
  • T.V. Grebennikova
    Federal Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology named Gamalei, Moscow, Russian Federation;The History of Chinese Culture Foundation, Conway Hall, London, UK
  • O.S. Tsygankov
    Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation «Energia», Korolev, Russian Federation

Abstract

The discovery by Russian researchers (Grebennikova et al., 2018) of microorganisms on the exterior surface of the International Space Station (ISS) on several occasions between 2013 and 2017 may be interpreted as evidence supporting the Hoyle-Wickramasinghe theory of cometary panspermia. The homologies between the ISS-recovered genotypes and known terrestrial bacteria can be seen as evidence of co-evolution and gene transfers (HGT) within a biosphere that spans astronomical distances. On the one hand, the height of the ISS orbit at 400km can be argued as being too high for lofting surface microorganisms. However, there is a theory that purports to explain the possible transport of small particles from the troposphere into the lower stratosphere and ionosphere as a result of vortex motions as well as vertical flows (streamers), which are generated as a result of the development of the modulational instability in the ionospheric plasma. More research is needed to properly evaluate this proposal.

Keywords

Panspermia, cosmic biology, bacteria, Earth-environment, International Space Station

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