Scientists just proved moss is much tougher than we thought. In a bold experiment, researchers attached moss to the outside of the International Space Station (ISS) for nine months—and this green little survivor made it home alive and ready to reproduce!
Moss vs. Space: Who Wins?
Let’s be honest: most of us can’t keep a houseplant alive for nine weeks, let alone nine months in the vacuum of space. But according to the researchers, over 80% of moss spores survived 283 days outside the ISS. Not only did they tough out cosmic radiation and zero gravity, but they also returned to Earth still able to reproduce. Scientists estimate that moss could potentially last over 15 years (5,600 days) in space and remain viable. Talk about resilience! The tardigrade may still wear the crown for ultimate space survivor, but moss is definitely gunning for the throne.
Why Does This Matter?
This experiment marks the first time an early land plant has survived long-term space exposure. That’s huge news for future space missions. If moss can thrive out there, maybe one day we’ll have greenhouses on Mars or use plants to help create breathable environments in space habitats. Or at the very least, we finally found a plant that won’t die if you forget to water it—just forget the water and shoot it into orbit!
Who knew the humble moss would become a space pioneer? Next up: ferns with frequent flyer miles.