NASA finds some microbes could survive on moon, raising concerns over unintended life transfer

Microbes could potentially survive on the lunar surface for weeks to months, according to new research led by NASA scientists. The study, which simulated conditions in five forms of fungi and bacteria, focused on regions near the moon's South Pole.

The research utilized environmental data from NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter and information on radiation exposure to model conditions in areas like Nobile Rim, Connecting Ridge, and de Gerlache Rim. Simulations indicated that certain microbes might endure in permanently shadowed craters and during specific seasons, such as autumn and winter.

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Aspergillus was the most well-suited to survive in regions of the lunar poles. Fusarium was similarly resilient, though not to the extent of Aspergillus.

Two species of fungi, Aspergillus niger and Fusarium, proved more resilient than the three bacteria species tested. Aspergillus niger, commonly known as "black mold," demonstrated the highest resilience, having previously been found to survive in orbit outside the International Space Station.

The bacteria studied included Deinococcus radiodurans, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis. While Deinococcus radiodurans showed some resilience, the other bacteria species were less able to withstand the moon's harsh ultraviolet radiation, extreme temperatures, and vacuum. The findings highlight potential risks of unintended biological contamination as human space exploration progresses.

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The bacteria we examined were less resilient to ultraviolet radiation and consequently had less survival, with Deinococcus leading the way and Staphylococcus and Bacillus bringing up the rear.