According to Nautilus, scientists have identified numerous microbes capable of surviving the extreme conditions of space. The discovery creates a puzzle for astrobiology: these hardy organisms could be mistaken for extraterrestrial life during the search for alien life, complicating our ability to recognize truly alien biology. At the same time, Earth microbes traveling aboard spacecraft pose a contamination risk to missions and astronaut health. The research underscores how resilient microbial life on our planet truly is—and why careful planetary protection will be essential as humans venture deeper into space.

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