Contamination and Damage to the Mars Rovers by Martian Fungi and Bacteria (original) (raw)

It is well established that chemoautotrophs and Earthly fungi can contaminate and corrode metals, plastics, aluminum, and a variety of other substances. Fungi growing on the outside of the Russian Mir spacecraft were discovered to be corroding and destroying even the titanium windows, and rapidly multiplying. In May of 2016, it was reported that 40 Biologists with an expertise in fungus or lichens, had reached a consensus supporting a low to high probability of life on Mars, as based on an examination of specimens photographed by the rover teams (Joseph 2016). The results were statistically significant, and the majority of experts identified the Martian specimens as fungi. Coupled with the findings from the 1970s Mars Viking experiments and the discoveries of biological residue in three Martian meteorites in the 1990s by Mckay et al, it was predicted that NASA's Mars rovers may be contaminated with Martian bacteria and destructive Martian fungi. An examination of photos taken of the Mars rovers' decks and wheel wells supports this prediction. Martian bacteria and fungi have severely damaged the Rover Curiosity's aluminum wheels despite being driven for less than 10 miles across the Martian surface, and to have infiltrated the upper deck of the rovers Curiosity and Opportunity. The possible catastrophic consequences of transporting these Martian organisms to Earth, are detailed.