Space Environmental Effects on Microbial Growth and Survival

Abstract

As humanity moves from earth to the moon and beyond, there are many challenges, both known and unknown, which will complicate our path. One unknown variable is how microorganisms will be affected by the space environment, and how this may impact mission success. There is a serious need for greater research to be conducted on how space environments alter microbial organisms genetically and physiologically, and to understand the threats that potential microbial changes may present to future missions.