Why is it in News?
- A new study published in iScience found that moss spores survived 283 days in space outside the International Space Station.
- Over 80% remained viable; ~11% successfully germinated after returning to Earth.
- Highlights the extreme resilience of moss and its potential role in future space life-support systems.
Relevance
- GS3: Science & Technology – space biology, extremophile survival, radiation resilience.
- GS3: Environment & Climate – stress tolerance, resilient biological systems.
Basics
- Moss: Small, non-vascular land plant found in damp, shady areas.
- Among the earliest terrestrial plants and known for high stress tolerance (desiccation, temperature fluctuations, low nutrients).
- Spores: Reproductive units capable of surviving harsh environments.
Experiment: What Exactly Happened?
- In March 2022, scientists placed 20,000 moss spores outside the ISS.
- Exposed to:
- Vacuum of space
- Extreme temperature variation
- Cosmic radiation
- Microgravity
- After 283 days, they were brought back to Earth in January 2023.
- Lab tests showed:
- >80% survival
- 11% germination in controlled conditions
Scientific Significance
Biological resilience
- Moss spores possess multi-layered walls enabling:
- DNA protection
- Resistance to vacuum
- Radiation shielding
- “Passive shielding mechanisms” allow survival in extreme stress.
Early life evolution insight
- Supports theory that ancient land plants may have evolved from organisms capable of surviving extreme environmental conditions.
Implications for Space Exploration
Life-support Systems
- Moss can contribute to:
- Oxygen generation (photosynthesis)
- Humidity control
- CO₂ absorption
- Air purification
- Useful for:
- Long-term space habitats
- Lunar or Martian bases
Sustainable Closed-Loop Biosystems
- Moss can help develop micro-ecosystems that recycle air and water with minimal resources.
- Superior ability to function under low gravity and high radiation compared to many plants.
Space Agriculture Research
- Offers clues for:
- Soil formation
- Bioremediation
- Growth of stress-resistant plants in extraterrestrial environments
Overview
1. Survival Biology & Extremophiles
- Moss spores qualify as extremotolerant organisms.
- Similar findings earlier seen in:
- Tardigrades
- Bacterial spores
- Lichens
2. Planetary Protection Protocols
- If Earth organisms can survive space, they can colonize other celestial bodies unintentionally.
- Raises concerns about forward contamination.
3. Space Missions & Human Presence
- NASA, ESA exploring biological life-support modules.
- Moss research aligns with:
- Artemis missions
- Mars long-duration missions
- Space agriculture programmes
4. Climate & Earth Applications
- Resilience mechanisms can inspire:
- Bioengineered crops
- Stress-resistant agriculture
- Habitat restoration in fragile ecosystems
Key Takeaways
- Moss spores surviving 9 months in space reinforces:
- Their robust biological architecture
- Their potential role in future extraterrestrial life-support systems
- Their relevance in astrobiology and space sustainability research
