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

I may be wrong with this, but i recall watching a documentary and the way it was explained made it seem like the concern of a dangerous pathogen is pretty low because it likely wouldnt be able to “infect” life on earth. Most bacteria and viruses evolved over long periods of time and are highly specialized and anything from space would lack the ability to find a host.