Researchers stuck moss to the outside of the ISS for 286 days, and the moss survived.

A small, inconspicuous moss survived. almost 9 months Even in the vacuum of space, they managed to grow even when they returned to Earth. The results, observed after exposure outside the International Space Station, are giving scientists new ideas about how life might establish beyond Earth.

In this experiment conducted by a team from Hokkaido University, open physcomitorium In one of the harshest environments possible. Radiation, extreme temperature fluctuations, and a complete vacuum were all part of the tests, conditions that would normally destroy biological materials quickly.

Growing plants in space remains a major challenge for long-duration missions. Oxygen, water recycling, and food production all depend on it. This research shifts focus slightly, focusing not on crops but on simple, hardy organisms that may survive where others cannot.

Nature’s shield against the limits of space

The researchers selected the following sporophytes: open physcomitoriuma capsule that protects the spores and helps them withstand stress. According to the results published in isciencethese structures were spent The number of days spent outside the ISS is 283 days. After launching on Cygnus NG-17 in March 2022.

“Most living things, including humans, cannot survive in the vacuum of space, even for a short time,” he said. Tomomichi Fujita Graduated from Hokkaido University and lead author of the study. “However, the moss spores retained their vitality even after nine months of direct exposure.”

The astronauts placed the samples on an external platform, where they were directly exposed to cosmic radiation, micrometeorites, and temperatures ranging from 200 to 200 degrees Celsius. -120℃～+100℃. They returned to Earth in January 2023 aboard a SpaceX Dragon capsule.

This protective capsule turned out to be the key. This kept the spores intact throughout the mission and showed that some plant structures can cope with space conditions without additional shielding.

You can’t win against radiation.

Once back on Earth, the spores were cultivated in a laboratory environment. This result surprised even the researchers. Approximately 86% Compared to the germination rate of exposed spores 97% To those who never left Earth. As explained in the study, that gap is smaller than expected given the levels of radiation involved. Fujita The team admitted it had not expected such an outcome.

“We expected survival to be almost zero, but the result was the opposite: most spores survived,” he says, adding, “We are really surprised by the extraordinary durability of these tiny plant cells.”

There was some impact. Scientists are 20% Chlorophyll a, which plays a central role in photosynthesis, decreases. Still, the spores grew. It is thought that the damage was suppressed due to its low moisture content and dormant state.

The researchers also built a model that suggests these spores survive. Up to 5,600 days In a similar situation. In other words over 15 yearsThis number pushes current assumptions about how long plant lifespans can last in space.

Mars ecosystem? idea became reality

These results are already reflected in the following discussion. Building an ecosystem that transcends the earth. Rather than starting with food crops, scientists are looking at hardy pioneer species that can initiate basic biological processes. As mentioned in press releasethe researchers stress that survival is only part of the story, and what really matters is whether these organisms can grow and function elsewhere.

moss-like open physcomitorium It may help produce oxygen, manage humidity, and even form soil-like layers. These would be useful in closed-loop systems supporting lunar outposts and Mars missions.

Fujita He said the experiment clearly shows how tough simple plant life is. There are still many unknowns, especially how these organisms will react. different gravity or Martian soilbut this research is a real step toward using living systems in space exploration.

“Ultimately, we hope that this research will open new ground for building ecosystems in extraterrestrial environments such as the Moon and Mars.” Fujita. “We hope that our moss research can be a starting point.”