Space is hard. And the farther humans go, the harder it can get.⁣ ⁣ Fortunately, research on the International Space Station (ISS) is helping NASA scientists develop tools and processes to ensure success on these important missions.⁣ ⁣ For example, astronauts will conduct a spacewalk to collect samples near space station life support system vents for ISS External Microorganisms, an investigation to assess whether the orbiting laboratory releases microorganisms into space. Results could provide insight into the potential for organisms to survive and reproduce in space. This research could shed light on which microbes would most likely contaminate other planetary bodies visited by crewed missions.⁣ ⁣ A miniature, hand-held digital microscope designed to make in-flight medical diagnoses, the Moon Microscope, also can test water, food, and surfaces for contamination. The device images samples at high resolution and processes data on web-enabled devices such as phones or tablets.⁣ ⁣ Image d...