NASA-led study shows Earth microbes could survive on moon

A NASA-led study reveals that specific Earth microbes, including various fungi and bacteria, possess the ability to survive on the lunar surface for periods ranging from weeks to months. These findings have raised significant concerns regarding the potential for microbial contamination during upcoming human moon missions. The research emphasizes the resilience of these organisms in the harsh lunar environment, highlighting a critical challenge for planetary protection protocols as space agencies plan further exploration of the moon.