Moss spores survive nine months of space exposure

Moss spores survive nine months of space exposure

If humans are to expand our habitat beyond Earth’s bounds, we will undoubtedly need the support of plant life: to remove carbon dioxide, provide oxygen, and create fertile soil. But is it possible for plants originating on Earth to survive in the extreme conditions of space? A team of scientists led by Tomomichi Fujita, a Continue reading "Moss spores survive nine months of space exposure" The post Moss spores survive nine months of space exposure appeared first on Astronomy Magazine .

Dec. 2, 1971: Mars 3 lands on the Moon

Dec. 2, 1971: Mars 3 lands on the Moon

In May 1971, the Soviet Union launched twin missions to Mars: Mars 2 and 3. Both spacecraft made it to the Red Planet, arriving a little less than a week apart. But the Mars 2 lander crashed into the martian surface on Nov. 27 when its parachute failed to deploy. Mars 3’s lander separated from its Continue reading "Dec. 2, 1971: Mars 3 lands on the Moon" The post Dec. 2, 1971: Mars 3 lands on the Moon appeared first on Astronomy Magazine .