Life in Space

In 1969, Apollo 12 embarked on a mission to the moon, aiming to retrieve parts of the Surveyor for analysis. During the mission, a camera was recovered, revealing dormant bacteria that revived after years without air, light, or water. This unexpected discovery challenged existing beliefs about the conditions necessary for life, highlighting the resilience of life forms and expanding our understanding of biology.

What was one of the main objectives of the Apollo 12 mission?

• To establish a lunar base

• To bring back pieces of the Surveyor spacecraft

• To land the first humans on the moon

• To explore Mars

What did the team retrieve from the Surveyor spacecraft?

• A camera

• A solar panel

• A piece of metal

• A lunar rock

What unusual discovery was made about the camera from the Surveyor?

• It was made of gold

• It had bacteria that survived for years

• It was still operational

• It contained a hidden message

How long did the bacteria survive on the moon without essential life elements?

• 12 months

• 36 months

• 24 months

• 33 months

What did the discovery of the bacteria challenge?

• The need for air, light, and water for life

• The existence of life on Mars

• The safety of space travel

• The durability of lunar equipment