Desert moss species offers potential for Mars colonization

Scientists in China have identified Syntrichia caninervis, a desert moss found in regions like Antarctica and the Mojave desert, as a potential candidate for Mars colonization due to its remarkable ability to survive harsh conditions lethal to most life forms. The moss has demonstrated resilience to freezing temperatures as low as -196°C, high levels of gamma radiation, and simulated Martian conditions involving drought, radiation, and extreme cold. This research marks the first study to investigate the survival of whole plants in such an environment, with a focus on the possibility of growing plants on Mars' surface rather than in greenhouses. Published in the journal The Innovation, the study conducted by Chinese researchers involved subjecting the desert moss to Mars-like conditions, including pressures, temperatures, gases, and UV radiation similar to the red planet. The moss not only survived but also rapidly recovered from near-complete dehydration, showcasing its potential for plant colonization and growth in outer space. While the study did not assess the impact of particulate radiation, experts like Prof. Stuart McDaniel from the University of Florida and Prof. Edward Guinan from Villanova University in the US have expressed optimism about the moss's potential as a pioneer plant for Mars colonization, emphasizing the need for water for its growth. Despite the promising findings, some experts like Zupanska caution against overstating the moss's readiness for terraforming Mars or other outer planets, highlighting the need for further research and testing. The extremotolerant nature of Syntrichia caninervis positions it as one of the most stress-tolerant organisms known, raising possibilities for its use in extraterrestrial greenhouses. The researchers envision bringing this promising moss to Mars or the moon for further experimentation to explore the feasibility of plant colonization in space, underscoring the importance of continued scientific exploration in this field.