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

Tardigrades can basically hibernate in extreme conditions, but they cannot be active or reproduce. Many of the creatures that can ‘survive’ do this as well, as spores or some such. They would fail to thrive on Mars.