THE NORTH RIDING PROJECT

Ordinary kimchi is teeming with microbes, like lactic acid bacteria, which help fermentation.  On Earth they are harmless, but scientists feared they could turn dangerous in space if cosmic rays and other radiation cause them to mutate.  “Imagine if a bag of kimchi starts fermenting and bubbling out of control and bursts all over the sensitive equipment of the spaceship,” Mr. Lee said.

Choe/Kimchi