Fungi in space? Study finds surprising survival ability in Mars-like conditions

As space missions to Mars gain momentum, scientists are looking beyond rockets and landing systems. There is a growing focus on something much smaller but equally important – microbial life from Earth.

A recent study, published in the journal Applied and Environmental Microbiology, has brought fungi into focus, suggesting that some species may be capable of surviving the harsh conditions linked to space travel. The findings add a new dimension to ongoing discussions around space safety and contamination.

New focus shifts beyond bacteria

Until now, bacteria have been the main concern when it comes to contamination during space missions. Agencies like NASA follow strict cleaning protocols to ensure spacecraft carry as little biological material as possible. In this study, researchers turned their attention to fungi. These organisms are more complex than bacteria because they have a defined nucleus inside their cells. This makes them important for understanding how life might survive in extreme environments.

Fungus detected during cleanroom checks

As highlighted in a BBC Discover Wildlife report, the study examined a fungus known as Aspergillus calidoustus, which is commonly found in indoor environments such as plumbing and ventilation systems.

During preparations for the Perseverance rover in 2020, scientists carried out routine checks in cleanroom facilities where spacecraft components were assembled. Despite strict controls, this fungus was detected, raising questions about whether it could survive a journey to Mars if it travelled along.

Spores tested in Mars-like conditions

To understand its survival ability, scientists created spores from different samples of the fungus. As mentioned in the report, these spores were then exposed to conditions similar to space travel and the Martian surface.The tests included extremely low temperatures, strong ultraviolet and ionising radiation, low atmospheric pressure, and material similar to Martian soil – conditions known to be highly hostile to life.Despite this, the spores were able to tolerate most of these conditions.

Survival depends on combined stress

The study found that no single condition was enough to completely destroy the fungus. It was only when very low temperatures and high radiation were present together that the spores failed to survive.This suggests that survival depends on a combination of extreme factors rather than just one.

What this means for future Mars missions

Scientists have clarified that this does not mean Mars is at immediate risk of contamination. However, it highlights the need to include fungi in contamination studies alongside bacteria.Kasthuri Venkateswaran from the biotechnology and planetary protection group at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory said this could help improve safety measures and better prepare for future missions aimed at exploring Mars.Thumb image: Canva (for representative purposes only)