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A study led by researchers at Hokkaido University found that moss spores survived nine months exposed to the harsh conditions outside the International Space Station (ISS), including vacuum, cosmic radiation, and extreme temperatures.
 

• Mosses are small, non-vascular plants classified under the division Bryophyta, with around 12,000 known species worldwide.​
• They form dense green clumps or mats, mostly in damp, shady environments, absorbing water through leaf-like structures rather than roots.​
• Mosses lack true roots, stems, or leaves; instead, they have simple leaves and rhizoids (thread-like structures) for anchorage and moisture absorption.​
• Their life cycle is dominated by the haploid gametophyte stage, and reproduction occurs via spores, not seeds.​
• Ecologically, mosses stabilize soil, prevent erosion, retain water, and enhance microclimates by cooling their surroundings.​
• They contribute significantly to carbon absorption (about 6.4 billion tons annually) and help nitrogen fixation in boreal forests through cyanobacteria associations.​
• Mosses grow in diverse habitats including forest floors, rocks, urban areas, geothermal sites, and even Antarctica, showing remarkable adaptability.​
• Commercially important is peat moss (genus Sphagnum), harvested for horticulture and as a soil conditioner.​
• Traditional uses include insulation and absorbing liquids many times their weight, highlighting their practical value beyond ecology.​

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