“Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.” ― Carl Sagan

Space research is constantly evolving and integrating new disciplines into its field of study to push the boundaries of discovery. Bioinformatics is one such area–by leveraging its power, scientists can improve on and solve the biological challenges of space travel, from protecting astronauts’ health to uncovering the potential for life beyond Earth, for humankind.

Bioinformatics is the cross-section of biology and computer science, aiming to collect, analyze, and efficiently disseminate biological information. Although primarily utilized within the medical industry for its focus on genetics and genomics, it’s recently been used in space research. With bioinformatics, scientists are preparing us for the challenges of long-term space travel and bringing us closer to the possibility of living in extraterrestrial environments.

From DNA to the Cosmos 

The main usage of bioinformatics lies in astrobiology and space biology—although the two disciplines sound extremely similar, their purposes are quite different. Astrobiology explores the origin, evolution, and distribution of life in the Universe—whether extraterrestrial environments can harbor life—while space biology focuses on how the environment in space affects life, particularly for human survival. 

Astrobiology is frequently studied using microbiology, as microorganisms—considered the most abundant and resilient life forms on Earth—are readily accessible and can survive in extreme environments that simulate the harsh conditions of space, such as the hot springs at Yellowstone National Park. On space platforms including the ISS, space shuttles, and satellites, astrobiologists study the effects of the space environment on microbial growth, colonization, survival, and mutations. Bioinformatics, with quick analysis of genetic sequences, protein structures, and cellular chemistry, greatly increases the volume of biological data from these limited samples. Results are then stored in specialized archives like the Erasmus Experiment Archive (EEA) and GeneLab database, which store and allow researchers to easily access and organize information regarding the experiments performed in facilities under the European Space Agency and NASA respectively, from projects on antimicrobial resistance genes to molecular pathway analyses of microbes exposed to spaceflight conditions. 

In space biology, research primarily focuses on the effects of space on the human body, especially the potential consequences of long-term exposure to space environments. This field gained renewed importance with plans to return to the Moon and send manned flights to Mars. Notably, the impact of microgravity—the condition in which people or objects appear weightless—causes enormous changes in human physiology. Bioinformatics allows scientists to create computational models that analyze changes in gene expression among astronauts using tools like microarray data during prolonged stays on space stations. These studies explore a wide range of physiological effects, from the development of bone and joint diseases to changes in cellular immune responses and cardiovascular deconditioning. Ground-based research has also been conducted on humans and rodents in simulated microgravity environments to provide further samples. 

Bioinformatics also plays a key role in developing tools and technologies that can be used to support human missions to Mars: advanced medical devices, systems for growing food in space, and recycling resources are just some of the contributions from its growing influence in the medical and food science fields. 

Challenges of Using Bioinformatics in Space Exploration 

As mentioned previously, space research is a costly endeavor, often leading to limited experimental subjects and small sample sizes for both studying astronauts and extraterrestrial environments. The inherent nature of longitudinal studies on the effects of the space environment on living organisms introduces greater potential for inaccuracies and vulnerability to external factors during measurement, compared to controlled, static experiments. This complexity requires the creation of more specialized analysis procedures to ensure reliable and precise results. Within bioinformatics, identifying individual characteristics before testing and using tools such as the Principal Variance Component Analysis (PVCA) and Manifold Approximation and Projection (UMAP) is common practice to make up for these challenges. 

The existence of radiation and the lack of gravity further complicates bioinformatic analyses and predictions. Since long-term exposure to radiation can damage DNA and hinder the body’s repair, bioinformatics has emerged as an important tool in space research, especially with the emergence of bioinformatics for understanding complex biological responses. 

These are just some challenges for bioinformatics in space exploration, highlighting the need for continued innovation in this interdisciplinary field.

The Next Frontier 

Bioinformatics will only grow as a major player in space research as we continue to explore its use within the aerospace industry, having already become an essential part of NASA’s Space Biology program. With the ability to analyze and process genetic information quickly and efficiently, bioinformatics allows space biologists and astronauts to continue exploring the unknown cosmos and pave the way for human life on extraterrestrial worlds.