Why are we sending a plastic-eating enzyme to space?

This bacteria was bioengineered to upcycle waste.
By Teodosia Dobriyanova  on 
An illustration of a rocket seems to float towards a planet-like sphere that is actually a microscopic image of bacteria. Caption reads: "Bacteria on board".
Watch Next

Thinking about space for too long can be scary and overwhelming. Are we alone? Will we ever be able to live on another planet? Will black holes destroy the universe one day? What should you do if you ever encounter an alien? Don’t worry, our curious science producer will do all the excessive thinking for you, and teach you a thing or two in the process. With the help of experts, our producer will deep dive into all the interesting things that happen, have happened, and will happen in space.


On Nov. 26, 2022 a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket departed from departed from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to deliver supplies to the International Space Station. Among the 7,700 pounds of cargo on board, it is safe to say that the smallest delivery that day were a bunch of frozen bacteria.

In an interdisciplinary collaboration, a group of scientists from MIT Media Lab, NREL, Seed Health and others, bioengineered a plastic-eating bacteria to be able to upcycle plastics. Mashable met with some of them to find out how the bacteria works, why it was it was sent to space, and how it can help humanity tackle plastic pollution in space as well as on Earth.

Picture of Teodosia
Teodosia Dobriyanova
Video Producer

Teodosia is a video producer at Mashable UK, focussing on stories about climate resilience, urban development, and social good.


More from Space Is Weird
What is that California-sized cloud on Mars?
Massive Mars Cloud

Mars Rover has finally arrived at a long-awaited Martian location
New Mars Discovery

NASA found evidence of ice on Mars. What does that mean?
Martian Ie

10 mind-blowing facts about space
mind-blowing space facts


Latest Videos
How 'The War of the Rohirrim' connects to the original The Lord of the Rings trilogy
The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim

'SNL' Weekend Update on Trump headlines and the Supreme Court's Broadway era
Colin Jost sits at the SNL Weekend Update desk.


Adam Sandler as a bloody surgery patient completely breaks 'SNL' cast
Chris Rock and SNL cast members Bowen Yang and Ego Nwodim dressed as surgeons at an operating table.


The 'No Good Deed' cast reveals why communication is key to any successful relationship
By Mark Stetson and Warren Shaw
No Good Deed

How 'Nickel Boys' uses first-person to tell a crucial story from a different perspective
By Warren Shaw and Elijah Gil
Nickel Boys



Stephen Colbert reacts to Pornhub's Year in Review 2024
A man in a suit stands on a talk show stage.

The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!