Why are scientists shooting mushrooms into space?

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Shannon Odell |

TED-Ed

• July 2024

Astronauts aboard the space station Mir made a frightening discovery: several species of Earth-derived fungi were found growing throughout the shuttle, blanketing air conditioners and corroding control panels, putting both the station’s integrity and their lives at risk. How had the fungi survived the journey to space? Shannon Odell shares why fungi may be the key to our future on other planets. [Directed by Denys Spolitak, narrated by Alexandra Panzer, music by Stephen LaRosa].