Could Microbial Life Survive in the Harsh Conditions of Space?

In summary, there is evidence that some microorganisms can survive in extreme conditions similar to those found in space, such as exposure to radiation, extreme temperatures, and vacuum. However, it is unlikely that new life could evolve on other planets, as any organisms found there are likely to have been brought by humans or hitchhiked on spacecraft. Further research and experiments, such as those conducted on the ISS, can provide valuable insights into the potential for life in space. Recommended reading on this topic includes the review article by Moissl-Eichinger et al. (2016).
  • #1
Yemmy
12
1
They don't breathe.
Their internal pressure greater than space.
Radiation.
Temperature.
Micrometeorites.
No picnic?
Any recommended reading?
Thanks.
 
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  • #3
Thank you, sorry,
My question is;
in the current stew of real and imagined scientific knowledge that informs science fiction, what is the general opinion about creatures existing in space without breathing and exposed to extreme temperatures, radiation, and vacuum?
 
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  • #4
Did you know that the Apollo 12 astronauts brought live samples of bacteria back from the Moon? They accidentally hitched a ride on Surveyor 3 a few years before and it had been living up there completely exposed to space. While it's possible that the contamination happened after the fact (during of after the trip back with Apollo,) ISS has also preformed experiments with living bacteria exposed to space and they seem to do fine.
 
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  • #5
Dried Tardigrades have been exposed to conditions on the surface of Mars (so-called Mars Jars) and survived for months to be revived by water in the lab. Lichens have also survived Mars Jars. None of these organisms did any"growing" during their stay - no respiration -- a Biological concept that does not mean 'breathing air' -- was measured.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cellular_respiration

A cautionary point: no new life could evolve on the surface of Mars. In other words, if astronauts find bacteria it is likely the astronauts or some preceding man-made object brought them as hitchhikers.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tardigrade
 
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  • #6
Here's a nice review article discussing the conditions under which microbial life from Earth can survive, and the possibilities for life in space and on other planets:
Moissl-Eichinger et al. 2016 Venturing into new realms? Microorganisms in space. FEMS Microbiol Rev 40: 722. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/femsre/fuw015
 
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1. What are anaerobic organisms?

Anaerobic organisms are microorganisms that do not require oxygen for survival. They are able to generate energy through processes such as fermentation or anaerobic respiration.

2. Can anaerobic organisms survive in space?

Yes, anaerobic organisms have been found to survive and even thrive in extreme environments such as space. They are able to survive in the absence of oxygen and can adapt to the harsh conditions of space.

3. How do anaerobic organisms survive in space?

Anaerobic organisms can survive in space by utilizing alternative sources of energy, such as organic compounds or inorganic molecules present in their environment. They are also able to repair DNA damage caused by radiation in space.

4. What are the potential implications of anaerobic organisms in space?

The discovery of anaerobic organisms in space has significant implications for the search for extraterrestrial life. It expands the possibilities of where life can exist and suggests that there may be other forms of life beyond Earth.

5. How does the study of anaerobic organisms in space contribute to our understanding of life on Earth?

The study of anaerobic organisms in space helps us understand the limits of life and how it can adapt to extreme environments. It also provides insights into the origins of life on Earth and the potential for life to exist in other parts of the universe.

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