Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #30789: How Rock-Dwelling Microbes React to Space: Studying Life at the Edge

What happens to life that lives inside rocks when it's exposed to outer space? Dr. Charles Cockell of the University of Edinburgh set out to answer that question through his research on endolithic organisms—microbes that inhabit the tiny pores of rocks. These resilient creatures are found in some of Earth's most extreme environments, like Antarctic deserts and high-altitude mountains. If any lifeform could survive space, it might be them.

Over five ISS expeditions (18 through 26), the experiment exposed rock samples containing endolithic microbes to vacuum, cosmic rays, and temperature swings in low Earth orbit. The goal: determine how well these organisms survive, what damage they experience, and whether any of them can grow or reproduce after returning to Earth.

This research is important for astrobiology. It helps us understand whether life could travel between planets—known as panspermia—and whether organisms could survive on Mars or moons like Europa. The findings also inform planetary protection guidelines to avoid contaminating other celestial bodies with Earth life.

The experiment used specially designed exposure platforms attached to the ISS exterior. Scientists monitored changes in microbial DNA, metabolic activity, and survival rates. Results show that while space is incredibly harsh, some microbial life can endure it better than expected.

These discoveries challenge our assumptions about where life can exist and guide future missions looking for life beyond Earth. From deep caves to the vacuum of space, life finds a way.

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