Why are scientists shooting mushrooms into space? - Shannon Odell
629,877 Views
722 Questions Answered
TEDEd Animation
Let’s Begin…
Astronauts aboard the space station Mir made a frightening discovery: several species of Earth-derived fungi were found growing throughout the shuttle, blanketing air conditioners and corroding control panels, putting both the station’s integrity and their lives at risk. How had the fungi survived the journey to space? Shannon Odell shares why fungi may be the key to our future on other planets.
The astronauts aboard the Mir space station first encountered the fungi as a threat to their safety and survival. Upon resolution of the problem, the fungi were investigated for its potential benefit. Can you think of any other scientific or practical situations in which a problem can be re-evaluated as a potential benefit?
Sign in to answer questionAbout TED-Ed Animations
TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »
Meet The Creators
- Educator Shannon Odell
- Director Denys Spolitak
- Narrator Alexandra Panzer
- Composer Stephen LaRosa
- Sound Designer Stephen LaRosa
- Director of Production Gerta Xhelo
- Produced by Sazia Afrin
- Editorial Director Alex Rosenthal
- Editorial Producer Shannon Odell
- Expert Consultant Lynn Rothschild
