The idea of studying the survival capabilities of organisms, such as cockroaches, in extreme environments like Mars or the Moon is an interesting concept. However, there are several reasons why scientists have not actively pursued sending cockroaches or similar organisms to these celestial bodies for such studies:
Planetary Protection: The concept of planetary protection is a fundamental principle in space exploration to prevent contamination of other celestial bodies with Earthly organisms. Sending living organisms to Mars or the Moon could introduce potential contaminants, making it difficult to study or discover native life forms, if they exist.
Harsh Environment: Mars and the Moon are incredibly harsh environments, characterized by extreme temperatures, low atmospheric pressure, high radiation levels, and lack of liquid water and breathable air. These conditions make it unlikely for most Earth organisms, including cockroaches, to survive without significant adaptations or specialized equipment.
Scientific Objectives: The primary scientific objectives of Mars and lunar missions are focused on studying the geology, climate, atmosphere, and potential for past or present life on these bodies. While studying the survival capabilities of organisms in extreme conditions is intriguing, it is not the primary goal of these missions.
Ethical Considerations: Sending living organisms to inhospitable environments like Mars or the Moon raises ethical concerns about subjecting them to potentially harmful or lethal conditions. The welfare and ethical treatment of organisms are important considerations in scientific research.
Instead of sending live organisms, scientists study extremophiles—organisms that thrive in extreme environments—on Earth to understand their adaptations and survival mechanisms. This research helps inform our understanding of the potential for life in similar extreme environments in space.
Overall, while the idea of sending organisms like cockroaches to other planets or the Moon for studying their survival capabilities is intriguing, it is not a common approach due to planetary protection guidelines, the harsh environment of these celestial bodies, the scientific objectives of missions, and ethical considerations.