13 Things You Didn't Know About the International Space Station | Page 5 of 14

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Mold loves the ISS

Mold on the ISS walls, where exercise clothing was hung to dry. — Mold on the ISS walls, where exercise clothing was hung to dry. Photo: NASA

Speaking of microorganisms, the ISS crew is engaged in an ongoing battle with mold. Due to the high humidity, lack of gravity, and closed environment, mold tends to grow more rapidly on the station than on Earth. This problem requires specific cleaning protocols and has led to research on microbial growth in closed habitats.

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