NASA astronauts are currently conducting research aboard the International Space Station (ISS) to explore whether microbial life can survive outside the station.

The insights gained from this research could significantly benefit industries on Earth, particularly in pharmaceuticals and agriculture, especially regarding extremophiles—microorganisms that thrive in extreme conditions.

Findings from this study are crucial for assessing contamination risks for future missions to planetary destinations like the Moon and Mars.

Contamination risks were highlighted by a previous incident where a camera from NASA's Surveyor 3 lander, retrieved by Apollo 12 astronauts, was found to have survived sterilization and extreme conditions.

To mitigate contamination risks, NASA aims to ensure that Mars rovers are sanitized to a threshold of no more than 300,000 bacterial spores on any surface before launch.

Research has shown that certain super bacteria exposed to space for 18 months returned with many viable spores, indicating that some microorganisms can withstand harsh space conditions.

NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory has discovered hundreds of extremophiles while cleaning spacecraft, raising concerns about potential contamination during space missions.

The European Space Agency (ESA) emphasizes the importance of planetary protection as mandated by Article IX of the Outer Space Treaty, which requires precautions against harmful contamination.

While spacecraft and spacesuits are sterilized before missions, the presence of human microorganisms poses a risk of contamination on other worlds.

The primary goal of the ongoing experiment is to collect samples of bacteria and fungi near vents to determine their survival capabilities in space and their potential for interplanetary travel.

Humans carry a variety of microorganisms on their skin and in their bodies, which could potentially spread these organisms into space, as noted by former NASA chief scientist John Grunsfeld.

NASA stresses the importance of distinguishing between terrestrial microbes and any potential extraterrestrial life forms during future explorations.