Could this fungus live on Mars? Maybe it already does

image via New Scientist

May 6, 2026, 5:35 PM

• •Resilient fungi, like Aspergillus calidoustus, found in NASA clean rooms can survive conditions mimicking space and Mars.
• •These findings indicate a critical gap in current planetary protection protocols.
• •International standards and metagenomic approaches are needed to address the risk of contaminating other planets.
• •The expanding space missions of both public and private entities increase the urgency of this issue.

Scientists are increasingly concerned about the potential for Earth-based life to contaminate other planets, particularly Mars, due to the resilience of certain microorganisms. A recent study has identified fungal strains, specifically Aspergillus calidoustus, in NASA's clean rooms that can survive harsh conditions, including those that mimic the Martian environment. This discovery highlights a critical gap in planetary protection strategies, requiring revisions to clean room protocols and a broader focus beyond bacteria to include fungi. As space exploration expands with both governmental and private missions, these findings underscore the urgent need for international cooperation and advanced methods, like metagenomics, to prevent the unintended spread of Earthly life throughout the solar system.

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