Extremophile organisms have been largely studied in Astrobiology. Among them, two antarctic plants emerge as good candidates to become colonizers of other celestial bodies, such as Mars and the Moon.The present research aimed to evaluate survival and growing capacity of Sanionia uncinata and Colobanthus quitensis on Martian (MGS-1) and Lunar(LMS-1) regolith simulants, underterrestrialconditions. Thesurvival responses of both species on the simulators and the original sampling site of Antarctic soil were observed during 15 days, in laboratory conditions at 'Comandante Ferraz' Station. Based on physiological parameters changes under the three soil conditions tested, our results suggest that Martian soil can be too harsh for plant growth, showing expressive decay, especially for C. quitensis. While lunar soil might provide more favorable conditions, with less observed changes, similarly to how they would in Antarctic soil from their natural habitat. This preliminary study provides resources and fosters knowledge about the possibility of these Antarctic species to survive in extraterrestrial environments, starting with soil parameters; and discusses the importance and use of Antarctic plants in astrobiology.

Endolithic micro-environments of rock are unique, ranging from high mountains and deep-sea floors to deserts and the Arctic and Antarctic regions colonized by high diversity of microbes. Endolithic microorganisms survive the extreme environmental conditions of rock pores and fissures with their survival strategies. In addition, the bulk rock provides mineral nutrients and protects the inhabitants from drastic ecological stresses from changes in the local conditions. Thus, endolithic microbes are at pivotal interface between geology and biology that offers a model system for unique microbial ecology, astrobiology, and geomicrobiology. This review provides comprehensive information on the diversity of endolithic microbial communities in cold, arid, aquatic, and terrestrial ecosystems and their survival strategies under ecological stresses. Furthermore, rock architecture for the colonization of endoliths, their biochemical functions and potential applications are discussed. It is clear that integrating modern molecular methods with physical and chemical analytical instrumentation will further advance our knowledge about endolithic microbial ecology, diversity, unique adaptive mechanisms, ecological functioning, and biochemical processes that shape the past, current, and future biosphere.