The colonists of Novaya Rodina were screened for any illness, and any genetic predilections towards them.  Every future colonist was similarly screened, to keep the planet itself from killing them.  They were an entire population chosen from the best of the best of the best, both physically and mentally.  The planet still almost killed them, but the survivors adapted and in time became something even greater.  Novayan.  What many call a new race of humanity.