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

To add to what others have said, Even if “something” survives the odds of it being able to live and thrive here on Earth are pretty small. Most living creatures we know of require a lot of additional amino acids, proteins and other various biological compounds to be available to them, and tolerate many others that they don’t need.

An organism from another planet would likely require different ones that don’t exist here, and possibly be poisoned by much of what IS here.