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NASA Finds Fungi Survive UV, Plans Metagenomic Monitoring

5/8/2026

Summary

Story summary

NASA reported that 23 fungal strains survived pre-launch UV cleaning in spacecraft cleanrooms.
Postdoc Atul Chander found Aspergillus calidoustus survived UV exposure, vacuum, Mars-like conditions and a 125 °C bake.
NASA planetary-protection officer Nick Benardini said the agency will use metagenomics to monitor clean-room microbes and revise protocols.
Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) coordinates planetary-protection guidelines under the 1967 UN Outer Space Treaty, which NASA follows.

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Story summary

NASA reported that 23 fungal strains survived pre-launch UV cleaning in spacecraft cleanrooms.
Postdoc Atul Chander found Aspergillus calidoustus survived UV exposure, vacuum, Mars-like conditions and a 125 °C bake.
NASA planetary-protection officer Nick Benardini said the agency will use metagenomics to monitor clean-room microbes and revise protocols.
Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) coordinates planetary-protection guidelines under the 1967 UN Outer Space Treaty, which NASA follows.