Scientists: Alien Life May Exist Without Its Own Planet

Examples of organisms capable of surviving in open space already exist.

Planets have always been considered the main candidates for the search for life in the Universe. However, scientists have now called this basic principle into question. They suggest that extraterrestrial life may exist without a planet.

Researchers have proposed a hypothesis that colonies of organisms may exist living directly in open space. One well-known example of such organisms from our planet is tardigrades, microscopic creatures capable of surviving in the extreme conditions of the vacuum of space. Humanity also has experience existing outside a planet: this refers to astronauts on the ISS, although they require a constant supply of resources from Earth. But what if simpler organisms can live in space independently?

Such organisms would need to overcome several serious challenges. First, they must withstand the vacuum pressure. However, this is not as difficult as it seems: many terrestrial organisms are already adapted to high pressure variations, such as deep-sea dwellers. Second, it is necessary to maintain heat for the existence of liquid water. Here, scientists cite organisms like the ants Cataglyphis bombycina as an example: they can regulate their body temperature by reflecting and absorbing light waves, which could serve as a prototype for space colonies.

Another important task is to retain and replenish light elements such as carbon and oxygen, which are lost in space. Researchers suggest that colonies could begin their existence on asteroids, utilizing their resources, and then transition to a closed recycling system that would provide long-term life support. Additionally, such colonies would need to be located in the habitable zone of a star to receive sufficient solar energy.

Scientists envision a colony consisting of organisms enclosed in a thin, transparent shell. It would retain water and maintain pressure and temperature at the required levels. The size of such a structure could reach 100 meters in diameter.

So far, this is just a hypothesis, but the research could greatly assist participants in future space missions. Unlike current stations that require constant supplies from Earth, future space settlements could use bioengineering materials to create self-sustaining ecosystems. This would significantly simplify the colonization of space and expand our understanding of where to search for extraterrestrial life.