Moss Survives 283 Days in Space, Revealing Resilience

Astronauts aboard the International Space Station conducted a remarkable experiment by exposing moss spores to the harsh conditions of space for 283 days. According to New Scientist, on March 4, 2022, 20,000 spores from the species Physcomitrium patens were strapped outside the ISS and subjected to the vacuum, extreme temperatures, microgravity, UV radiation, and cosmic radiation of space. The results were astonishing; over 80 percent of these spores survived and were able to germinate once they returned to Earth via a SpaceX capsule. Tomomichi Fujita, a researcher at Hokkaido University, noted that the spores' survival is indicative of the intrinsic mechanisms life on Earth possesses to endure extreme environments. This experiment marks a significant milestone, as it is the first to assess a species of moss in real space conditions rather than simulated environments.

Live Science adds that the findings were published in the journal iScience, revealing that the moss has a high resilience to stress, which is key to its survival in harsh conditions. The spores were subjected to conditions mimicking the challenges of space, leading to the discovery that the sporophytes, the structures encasing the spores, showed remarkable tolerance to UV light and extreme temperatures. Fujita's team predicts that the spores could potentially remain viable in space for up to 15 years, based on their findings. This research not only sheds light on the survival capabilities of terrestrial life but also raises questions about the potential for life beyond Earth.

Popular Science emphasizes that moss thrives in extreme environments on Earth, from the Himalayas to volcanic fields, and now it can add outer space to its list of habitats. The study highlights that while many organisms cannot withstand the vacuum of space, these moss spores have shown extraordinary durability. The protective structure surrounding the spores likely evolved to shield them from UV radiation and dehydration, allowing them to survive in conditions that would be fatal to most life forms.

The results of this study suggest that the resilience of these moss spores could be a stepping stone for constructing ecosystems in extraterrestrial environments, such as Mars or the Moon. Fujita expressed hope that this research will inspire further exploration into how moss could be utilized for agricultural systems in space. While this experiment opens new possibilities, it also highlights the need for further studies to determine how these spores could grow and reproduce in outer space environments.

Overall, the successful germination of moss spores after nine months in space underscores the potential for life to exist and thrive in extreme conditions, both on Earth and beyond. This finding could inform future space missions, particularly in the search for sustainable life-support systems during long-duration space travel or colonization efforts.