Skip to main content

TED-Ed

Why are scientists shooting mushrooms into space? - Shannon Odell

692,811 Views

1,267 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.

Watch the video and finish the Think section to complete the lesson.


About 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

More from Out Of This World