# Microbial survival risks in lunar exploration

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/microbial-survival-risks-in-lunar-exploration
> Updated: 2026-08-26T10:30:00.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

Research indicates that Earth-based microorganisms could potentially survive in the extreme cold of the Moon’s South Pole. NASA simulations suggest that microbes such as Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Deinococcus radiodurans, and the fungus Aspergillus niger could remain in a latent state within permanently shadowed regions like Nobile Rim and De Gerlache Rim for at least one terrestrial day.

While the lack of liquid water and atmosphere prevents these organisms from multiplying, their ability to endure extreme temperatures and ultraviolet radiation poses a risk of unintentional biological contamination. This persistence presents a challenge for planetary protection, as terrestrial biological traces could complicate the scientific search for primordial lunar chemical signatures and future life-detection missions.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-26: Microbial survival in extreme cold impacts lunar exploration

Microbes capable of surviving extreme cold, such as psychrophiles, pose potential biological contamination risks for lunar exploration, particularly in the Moon's permanently shadowed south pole regions.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/microbial-survival-in-extreme-cold-impacts-lunar-exploration

### 2026-08-26: NASA study finds Earth microbes could survive on the Moon

NASA simulations suggest Earth microbes could survive in shaded lunar South Pole regions, potentially complicating the search for original lunar chemistry and extraterrestrial life.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nasa-study-finds-earth-microbes-could-survive-on-the-moon-2

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Cite as: Microbial survival risks in lunar exploration. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/microbial-survival-risks-in-lunar-exploration