Space & Astronomy

Can life survive in outer space ?

By T.K. Randall
June 25, 2012 ·  11 comments

Image Credit: NASA A suitcase-sized experimental apparatus known as the Expose-E experiment was sent up to the International Space Station and contained an array of bacteria, seeds, lichen and other organic compounds. The samples were placed outside the space station for a period of time, exposing them to the full harshness of the sun's rays and a wide range of temperatures.

The results of the experiment suggest that lichen can survive almost anything, going in to a dormant state and springing back to life afterwards. Not only does this strengthen the possibility that life might have hitched a ride to the Earth on an asteroid or comet, but sunscreen manufacturers have taken a distinct interest in lichen on the basis that it can survive 18 months of direct sun exposure without any problems.[!gad]A suitcase-sized experimental apparatus known as the Expose-E experiment was sent up to the International Space Station and contained an array of bacteria, seeds, lichen and other organic compounds. The samples were placed outside the space station for a period of time, exposing them to the full harshness of the sun's rays and a wide range of temperatures.

The results of the experiment suggest that lichen can survive almost anything, going in to a dormant state and springing back to life afterwards. Not only does this strengthen the possibility that life might have hitched a ride to the Earth on an asteroid or comet, but sunscreen manufacturers have taken a distinct interest in lichen on the basis that it can survive 18 months of direct sun exposure without any problems.

Source: Science Daily | Comments (11)

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