The Space Microbes Lab studies microorganisms in space conditions, to advance knowledge in Astrobiology and Space Exploration. Our research explores how microbial extremophiles can inform the potential for Exoplanet Habitability, and how they can help humanity develop Sustainable Space Habitats. We challenge the limits of life (as we know it) by investigating how microorganisms – bacteria, archaea, yeast and filamentous fungi – survive and adapt to extreme conditions on Earth, the Moon, Mars and in planets beyond our solar system (exoplanets).
We are based in Porto, Portugal, both at the Department of Biology, of the Faculty of Sciences (FCUP) and at the Center for Astrophysics of the University of Porto (IA-CAUP).
Exoplanet Habitability
The discovery of thousands of exoplanets has transformed how we approach studying “habitability”. This complex concept depends on several factors related to the planet’s host star, orbital configuration, atmosphere, surface and subsurface chemistry; and even on what we consider to be a “habitable” environment. We study how real microorganisms respond to combinations of stresses, such as temperature, pH, salinity, desiccation, radiation, oxidants and low pressure, to define the true operational limits of life. By integrating laboratory experiments with modelling work, we map where microbial activity could be sustained across planetary environments, from icy worlds and subsurface brines to temperate rocky planets and ocean-bearing sub-Neptunes.
Our approach is inherently interdisciplinary. We link microbiology and geochemistry to atmospheric and climate models, connecting growth limits and predictions of environmental compatibility and potential biosignatures. These include gases and pigment features that next-generation observatories (e.g., JWST and upcoming large telescopes) may be able to probe. Which planetary settings are most promising for sustaining metabolism, and how do stress combinations shape biosignatures that are distinguishable from abiotic signals? Our work helps set priorities for targets, observables and mission strategies that bring us closer to answering the question: where beyond Earth can life exist?
Sustainable Space Habitats
The International Space Station (ISS) was established in 1998, and has sustained human habitation in space for more than 20 years, while also acting as the most important astrobiology laboratory. Space agencies and the International Space Exploration Cooperation Group (ISECG) are ready for a new era of human space exploration through the Artemis program to the Moon.
The Lunar Gateway will be the next human space habitat, orbiting the Moon, as a preparation for future human presence on the Lunar surface. This will mark the next great step in Earth-independent resource management in human space exploration. Since astronauts on the ISS are still highly dependent on Earth for resupply missions that bring food and material resources, new biotechnologies are expected to help utilize in situ resources and ultimately achieve Earth-independance and sustainability of future space habitats.
International efforts to advance human space exploration to the Moon and Mars can answer major challenges in In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU), sustainability and circular bioeconomy.
On Earth, microbiology plays an important role in maintaining human health and advancing sustainability. Microbial extremophiles can enable biotechnologies to help achieve sustainability of human habitation in space. But how can we utilize microorganisms to recycle resources in space habitats? Can microbial biotechnological processes perform well under space conditions?
Space Microbes Lab 