In 2015, Japan exposed bacteria outside the ISS for 3 years; some clumps survived, while thicker ones were estimated to last longer

Japanese researchers launched the resilient bacteria Deinococcus into orbit aboard the International Space Station. Remarkably, these microbes thrived for three years amid extreme environmental challenges. They formed protective clusters that safeguarded their inner cells against harmful radiation. This finding bolsters the hypothesis that life can migrate between planets, impacting future space exploration endeavors and the ongoing quest for extraterrestrial beings.