mGem: Submarine Mycology — An Analog To Astromycology

Environmental and operational parallels and differences between submarines and spacecraft relevant to fungal persistence. Submarines operate under Earth’s gravity and are surrounded by seawater, while spacecraft operate under microgravity, are exposed to cosmic radiation, and are surrounded by the vacuum of space. Nevertheless, both vehicles share conditions that promote fungal persistence, including crew confinement, recirculated air, the utilization of materials prone to degradation, humid or moist areas, stress and limited sleep, and limited medical care. The identification of overlapping fungal taxa—including members of Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Fusarium—in both vessels underscores the relevance of submarines as an analog environment for studying fungal risks in spaceflight. — mBio