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NASA Finds Fungal Spores Survive Simulated Mars Journey

4/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

NASA researchers reported Aspergillus calidoustus spores survived simulated deep-space travel and Mars-like conditions.
The spores were found in spacecraft cleanrooms where Mars hardware is assembled, despite strict decontamination.
Tests showed the spores survived vacuum, radiation, extreme cold and regolith analogs, with combined radiation and freezing consistently killing them.
Published by Atul M. Chander and Kasthuri Venkateswaran, the study says NASA’s Planetary Protection protocol needs stricter sterilization to avoid Mars contamination.

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Story summary

NASA researchers reported Aspergillus calidoustus spores survived simulated deep-space travel and Mars-like conditions.
The spores were found in spacecraft cleanrooms where Mars hardware is assembled, despite strict decontamination.
Tests showed the spores survived vacuum, radiation, extreme cold and regolith analogs, with combined radiation and freezing consistently killing them.
Published by Atul M. Chander and Kasthuri Venkateswaran, the study says NASA’s Planetary Protection protocol needs stricter sterilization to avoid Mars contamination.