Moss Spores Survive Harsh Space Conditions

In November 2025, scientists reported that 20,000 moss spores of Physcomitrium patens survived 283 days outside the ISS, enduring vacuum, cosmic radiation, microgravity and extreme temperature fluctuations.

Key Findings of the Study

  • More than 80% of the spores remained alive after returning to Earth, and all but 11% successfully germinated in laboratory conditions.
  • Chlorophyll levels stayed largely intact, with only a 20% reduction in chlorophyll-a, insufficient to harm overall plant health.
  • The moss spores’ resilience is attributed to multiple protective wall layers that offer passive shielding against space-induced stress.
  • Based on experimental results, researchers estimate moss could survive up to 15 years in ....
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Ecology & Environment