Bacteria can potentially survive in space, although their ability to do so depends on various factors such as species, cell wall integrity, and prior environmental conditions. Some bacteria can withstand extreme conditions, including vacuum and radiation, particularly in spore form, which provides resistance to harsh environments. While the vacuum of space could pose a risk to bacterial cells, their survival may be feasible if they are not immediately ruptured and if they can endure the cold and radiation until conditions improve. The discussion also touches on the possibility of bacteria existing within asteroids without needing airtight capsules, as they could be gravitationally bound to the asteroid. NASA has likely conducted tests on bacteria in space, and some studies indicate that bacterial spores can survive atmospheric entry on meteorites.
