Moss Can Survive the Harsh Conditions of Space.

The article focuses on research demonstrating that spores of spreading earthmoss, a pioneering land plant species, survived nine months exposed on the exterior of the International Space Station (ISS) with over 80% germination upon return to Earth. This finding highlights the resilience of moss spores to the combined stresses of near-Earth orbit, including low gravity, temperature extremes, ultraviolet radiation, and low pressure. Researchers see potential for mosses to contribute to future efforts in growing plants beyond Earth, such as on Mars or the Moon, although challenges like cosmic ionizing radiation in deep space remain unaddressed. The study underscores moss's ecological role on Earth and its possible utility in extraterrestrial environments.