Eli5: If creatures such as tardigrades can survive in extreme conditions such as the vacuum of space and deep under water, how can astronauts and other space flight companies be confident in their means of decontamination after missions and returning to earth?

Question

My initial post was related to more of bacteria or organisms on space suits or moon walks and then flown back to earth in the comfort of a shuttle.

In: Biology

Answer 1

There are clean rooms where you have to wear protective suits when spacecraft are being built, but it’s really diligence in keeping everything sanitized especially when they are looking for signs of life. But, honestly it’s hard to do, and we can only do the best we can when trying to keep things clean.