Coronavirus: International Space Station safest place to be, researcher says

Nasa announces most staff will be working from home for foreseeable future

The International Space Station is the safest place to be during the coronavirus pandemic, according to a researcher.

Luis Zea, a researcher from BioServe Space Technologies at the University of Colorado Boulder, told Newsweek the checks they enforce prevent any outbreak from taking place.

“Prior to launching to the International Space Station, the crew is quarantined and observed for any potential symptoms and tested,” said Mr Zea. “This serves as a great filter.”

Mr Zea added that amid the pandemic “the ISS is probably one of the safest places to be.”

The researcher explained that coronavirus can only survive for short periods on surfaces and “an infected person would likely be screened and diagnosed during the quarantine period astronauts go through prior to launch.”

Last week a SpaceX rocket sent a “mobile mini-laboratory” up to the International Space Station.

The scientists will grow the beginnings of new organs and watch how the stem cells develop as part of the project.

On Tuesday, the agency published a press release from Nasa administrator Jim Bridenstine​, confirming staff will be working from home while thanking them for their help.

“Nasa’s early and thoughtful actions in coordination with our country’s unified response to this health emergency is an incredible display of national solidarity,” said Mr Bridenstine.

“Thank you for your vigilance and flexibility. I am confident your diligence and commitment will ensure our mission will continue. Please make certain you are giving the appropriate attention to your health and that of your family.”

Some 5,000 cases of the disease have been recorded so far in the US, and 94 deaths.

The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended a two-week ban on gatherings of more than 50 people as part of the battle to contain the spread of the contagion.