The Multifaceted Potential of Fungi in Extraterrestrial Environments: Exploring Mushrooms in Space

Abstract

Sustainable life support systems are essential for successful human space exploration beyond Earth. While soil fungi are potential candidates for exploitation in space, this review addresses contentious hypotheses, such as panspermia or putative Martian fungi, with scientific caution. The unique characteristics of mushrooms in extraterrestrial environments include their versatility, nutritional value, and tolerance of bioregenerative life support systems. Mushrooms are highly tolerant of extreme conditions, that is, microgravity and radiation‐intensive environments. They have the ability to degrade waste, produce edible biomass, and contribute to atmospheric control. The nutritional value of mushrooms, rich in proteins and vitamins, and their therapeutic, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant effects greatly benefit the health of astronauts. Space‐grown mushrooms can be engaged in improving the psychological condition and interpersonal relationships of astronauts. Even though there are challenges like microgravity and contamination in space mushroom cultivation, recent genetic and biotechnological approaches show promising solutions. This review highlights the motivational and critical role mushrooms play in sustaining human life in space, driving further research and commercializing cultivation activities.

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