Japanese researchers exposed spores of the moss Physcomitrium patens outside the ISS for 283 days. After returning to Earth on a SpaceX resupply mission in January 2023, over 80% of the spores survived and germinated on agar. Ultraviolet radiation reduced chlorophyll production, while vacuum, temperature extremes and microgravity had little effect on survival. The findings suggest bryophytes could be useful for future lunar or Martian ecosystems and life-support systems.
Moss Survives 283 Days Outside the ISS — A Green Candidate for Space Habitats
04:43 AM, 11/23/2025
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