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Universe Today • Laurence Tognetti

How long could Earth microbes survive on Mars? New estimates sharpen planetary‑protection and sample‑integrity concerns

Researchers are assessing survival times for terrestrial microbes under Martian conditions to better quantify forward‑contamination risk. Reliable survival estimates are critical to avoid confusing Earth life with indigenous Martian biology and to shape NASA's mitigation measures for sample collection and return.

2026-02-24T20:33:57.452833-08:00

Space.com

Shenzhou-20 crew disclose cracked viewport in China's first in-orbit emergency

2026-02-24T06:14:28.963547-08:00

Payload

LambdaVision reserves Starlab lab space to scale protein‑based artificial‑retina manufacturing

2026-02-24T04:30:44.075569-08:00

Universe Today

Sustainable water recycling for long‑duration space habitats

2026-02-20T15:15:31.740705-08:00

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Universe Today

How long could Earth microbes survive on Mars? New estimates sharpen planetary‑protection and sample‑integrity concerns Researchers are assessing survival times for terrestrial microbes under Martian conditions to better quantify forward‑contamination risk. Reliable survival estimates are critical to avoid confusing Earth life with indigenous Martian biology and to shape NASA's mitigation measures for sample collection and return.

2026-02-24T20:33:57.452833-08:00

How long could Earth microbes survive on Mars? New estimates sharpen planetary‑protection and sample‑integrity concerns

Space.com

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Shenzhou-20 crew disclose cracked viewport in China's first in-orbit emergency Shenzhou-20 crew members described discovering cracks in their spacecraft's viewport during what Chinese authorities called the nation's first in-orbit emergency, an event that left the crew effectively stranded aboard. The astronauts' accounts recount immediate reactions, damage assessment and onboard contingency steps.

2026-02-24T06:14:28.963547-08:00

Shenzhou-20 crew disclose cracked viewport in China's first in-orbit emergency

Payload

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LambdaVision reserves Starlab lab space to scale protein‑based artificial‑retina manufacturing LambdaVision has reserved lab capacity on the planned Starlab commercial space station to advance and scale manufacturing of its protein‑based artificial retina, following microgravity experiments conducted on the ISS. The reservation signals the company’s push to move R&D and production to post‑ISS LEO facilities.

2026-02-24T04:30:44.075569-08:00

LambdaVision reserves Starlab lab space to scale protein‑based artificial‑retina manufacturing

Universe Today

Sustainable water recycling for long‑duration space habitats Water for drinking, hygiene and plant growth is a primary constraint on long‑duration human spaceflight: resupplying the ISS costs on the order of tens of thousands of dollars per delivered mass. Durable, efficient closed‑loop water sourcing and reuse are essential to enable months‑to‑years surface and orbital habitation.

2026-02-20T15:15:31.740705-08:00

Sustainable water recycling for long‑duration space habitats

Space.com

Microbial biomining extracts metals from meteorites aboard the International Space Station A NASA astronaut on the International Space Station ran a bioleaching experiment that showed microbes can extract metals from meteorite material in microgravity. The successful on‑orbit biomining test demonstrates a biological technique for recovering usable metals from extraterrestrial rocks, with implications for in‑situ resource utilization.

2026-02-20T10:10:41.566074-08:00

Microbial biomining extracts metals from meteorites aboard the International Space Station

actualidadaeroespacial.com

SSSIF 2026 in Málaga spotlights human exploration and Mars Sample Return The Small Satellites & Services International Forum (SSSIF) 2026 in Málaga closed after three days with a strategic emphasis on human space exploration and Mars Sample Return missions. Sessions also highlighted secure communications and smallsat technologies and featured an interview with NASA’s Mars Sample Return program manager.

2026-02-20T00:55:30.080236-08:00

SSSIF 2026 in Málaga spotlights human exploration and Mars Sample Return

Universe Today

Flexible electrodynamic dust shields propose two designs to mitigate lunar dust for sustained Moon missions Lunar dust—jagged, clingy and damaging to equipment and human health—remains a major barrier to long-duration surface operations. A new Acta Astronautica paper by Francesco Pacelli, Alvaro Romero-Calvo and coauthors describes two flexible electrodynamic dust shield (EDS) designs and Earth-based testing steps toward deployable lunar mitigation systems.

2026-02-19T05:26:29.901396-08:00

Flexible electrodynamic dust shields propose two designs to mitigate lunar dust for sustained Moon missions

Universe Today

Study: Martian volcanoes could hide extensive mid‑latitude ice beneath ash — implications for ISRU and landing‑site planning A new Icarus paper by M.A. de Pablo et al. argues that Martian volcanoes and mid‑latitude glacier‑like deposits may conceal extensive ice reservoirs beneath thick ash, rock and dust. That ice, closer to the equator than polar caps, would reshape ISRU prospects and landing‑site priorities given polar contamination constraints.

2026-02-18T06:33:12.127008-08:00

Study: Martian volcanoes could hide extensive mid‑latitude ice beneath ash — implications for ISRU and landing‑site planning

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Human Spaceflight & Space Stations News

How long could Earth microbes survive on Mars? New estimates sharpen planetary‑protection and sample‑integrity concerns

Shenzhou-20 crew disclose cracked viewport in China's first in-orbit emergency

LambdaVision reserves Starlab lab space to scale protein‑based artificial‑retina manufacturing

Sustainable water recycling for long‑duration space habitats

News Timeline