20. Does mold grow in space? (A K2S Question)

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Mold does not grow in the vacuum of space. However, any environment designed to allow human life will definitely be an ideal environment for molds. In addition to the molds, algae, cyano-bacteria, bacteria, fungi and viruses would also thrive. We go to great lengths to keep contamination by these organisms to a minimum. However, many of these organisms are also very beneficial to us and to our potential success in human space missions. Certain algae and cyanobacteria can be used for oxygen production; many molds and bacteria and fungi can be used for waste processing; and even viruses can be useful.

Answer provided by Gregory Schlick


Image:K2S logosmall.jpg Question and Answer extracted from the book Kids to Space - by Lonnie Schorer


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