A new research by ESA scientists is giving credibility to theories that life came from outer space – as well as helping to create better suncreams.
An example of a lichen that was exposed to space conditions on the International Space Station for 18 months. Some lichens survived the ordeal and continued to grow in the laboratory (Creative Commons - N. McAuley)
In 2008 scientists sent the suitcase-sized Expose-E experiment package to the International Space Station filled with organic compounds and living organisms to test their reaction to outer space.
When astronauts venture on a spacewalk, hours are spent preparing protective suits to survive the hostile conditions. No effort was made to protect the bacteria, seeds, lichen and algae attached to the outside of the Space Station, however.
“We are exploring the limits of life,” explained Dr René Demets, a researcher at ESA and co-author of three papers in a special issue of the Astrobiology journal.
Our atmosphere does a wonderful job of protecting life on Earth by absorbing harmful UV rays and keeping temperatures relatively stable.
In contrast, the space samples endured the full power of the Sun’s rays. The samples were insulated somewhat by the Space Station but still had to cope with temperatures changing from –12 to +40 degrees Celsius over 200 times as they orbited Earth.
The samples returned to Earth in 2009 and the results have been published in the Astrobiology journal.
Lichens have proven to be tough cookies – back on Earth, some species continue to grow normally.
“These organisms go into a dormant state waiting for better conditions to arrive,” Dr René said.
The lichens have also attracted interest from cosmetic companies. They can survive the full power of the Sun for 18 months, so knowing more could lead to new ingredients for suncream.
Living organisms surviving in open space supports the idea of ‘panspermia’ – life spreading from one planet to another, or even between solar systems.
It seems possible that organisms could colonise planets by hitching rides on asteroids. ESA is probing this intriguing theory further on future Station missions with different samples.
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Bibliographic information: Special Collection: The EXPOSE-E Mission. Astrobiology. May 2012, 12(5): 373-528.
