DNA Can Survive Critical Conditions In Space

During the mission preparations, they began to wonder whether the outer structure of the rocket might also be suitable for stability tests on so-called biosignatures.

"Biosignatures are molecules that can prove the existence of past or present extraterrestrial life," said Thiel.

The two researchers launched a small second mission at the European rocket station Esrange in Kiruna, north of the Arctic Circle.

The additional experiment was originally supposed to be a pretest to check the stability of biomarkers during spaceflight and re-entry into the atmosphere.

"We were completely surprised to find so much intact and functionally active DNA," said Thiel.

Various scientists believe that DNA could certainly reach us from outer space as Earth is not insulated: in extraterrestrial material made of dust and meteorites, for instance, around 100 tonnes of which hits our planet every day.

The extraordinary stability of DNA under space conditions also needs to be factored into the interpretation of results in the search for extraterrestrial life, researchers said.