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

Simply put? There is a measure of “good enough”

100% certainty of decontamination is just not possible without complete annihilation of the object that is being decontaminated, and that would take throwing it into the sun.