Explore the adaptations of microorganisms to space environments

Explore the adaptations of microorganisms to space environments and their potential applications in astrobiology, space exploration, and human spaceflight missions. Discuss how microorganisms survive and thrive in conditions of microgravity, radiation exposure, and extreme temperatures aboard spacecraft and planetary surfaces. Investigate the role of microbial biofilms in spacecraft contamination and planetary protection efforts to prevent forward contamination of extraterrestrial environments. Consider the use of microorganisms in closed-loop life support systems, bioregenerative life support habitats, and terraforming strategies for sustaining human presence and colonization of extraterrestrial environments, such as Mars or lunar bases.