If bacteria band together, they can survive for years in space

Dead outer microbes protect inner ones in clumps attached to the International Space Station

International Space Station

Clumps of bacteria survived for three years on the outer surface of the International Space Station, pictured here, shielded from the hazards of space by only themselves. New research suggests such clumps might be able to survive a trip between Earth and Mars.

NASA, Roscosmos

Outer space is not friendly to life.