Moss spores have demonstrated an astonishing ability to survive the extreme conditions of space, remaining viable after nearly nine months exposed to vacuum, radiation, and temperature fluctuations. This discovery, led by researchers at Hokkaido University, suggests that life at the cellular level possesses inherent resilience mechanisms previously underestimated.
Unlikely Survivors: Moss in the Vacuum
The experiment involved attaching spore-containing capsules of Physcomitrium patens – a moss species favored in plant research due to its simple structure and sequenced genome – to the exterior of the International Space Station (ISS). After nine months, over 80% of the spores returned to Earth still capable of germination.
“We expected almost zero survival,” explains biologist Tomomichi Fujita, “but the result was the opposite. These tiny plant cells displayed extraordinary durability.” This finding echoes similar resilience observed in tardigrades, microscopic animals known for their ability to withstand extreme conditions.
Why Moss Matters: Evolution and Terraforming
The ability of moss to survive in space isn’t merely a curiosity. Mosses, along with liverworts and hornworts, were among the first plants to colonize land over 500 million years ago. They thrived by extracting nutrients from rocks, effectively building the first soils and paving the way for more complex life to spread across Earth’s dry regions.
This evolutionary history makes them particularly interesting to scientists exploring the possibility of terraforming other planets. Fujita’s team found that the spore-encased sporophytes tolerated UV radiation, extreme heat, and cold more effectively than any other part of the plant.
Minimal Damage: Chlorophyll and Future Implications
While some reduction in chlorophyll a was observed (approximately 20%), other chlorophyll forms functioned normally, and the overall health of the spores wasn’t significantly impacted. This suggests that moss spores possess innate protective mechanisms against the most damaging effects of space exposure.
Fujita believes this research could be a starting point for constructing ecosystems on extraterrestrial environments like the Moon and Mars. The resilience of moss spores offers a unique advantage in the harsh conditions of space, making them a promising candidate for pioneering life beyond Earth.
“Ultimately, we hope this work opens a new frontier toward constructing ecosystems in extraterrestrial environments… I hope that our moss research will serve as a starting point.” — Tomomichi Fujita.
