NASA-led study shows Earth microbes could survive on moon
NASA-led research indicates that certain Earth-based fungi and bacteria could potentially survive on the lunar surface for weeks or months. This finding raises concerns about biological contamination during future human missions to the Moon.
Why it matters
It highlights the need for strict planetary protection protocols to prevent the accidental introduction of Earth life to other celestial bodies.
Research finds some fungi and bacteria could survive weeks to months on the lunar surface, raising concerns about microbial contamination during human moon missions.
NASA is advancing plans for a durable Moon Base near the lunar South Pole, with more than 20 robotic landings planned through 2029. Commercial partners including Blue Origin, Firefly Aerospace, Intuitive Machines and Voyager Lunar Systems are developing spacecraft to deliver infrastructure, ...
WASHINGTON — The moon is, to put it mildly, an inhospitable place for people and other living organisms from Earth, with its lack of breathable air, extreme temperatures and exposure to relentless space radiation and energetic particles. That is why astronauts wear spacesuits and spacecraft are built with shielding.
But how about the microbes that inevitably will hitchhike with astronauts during space exploration?
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