According to this article the Guinness Book of World Records have labeled Deinococcus radiodurans as the toughest bacterium known. This bacterium was first found a can of spoiled meat that had initially been sterilized with radiation. After several tests, scientists found that this bacterium could "survive extremely high radiation, as well as toxic chemicals, dryness, and other harsh conditions." Scientists believe this bacterium could serve as a method to make Mars' surface environment less corrosive to the space crafts and astronaut suits. Scientists are currently working on engineering the bacteria to be able to clean up radio active waste, and to test the extent to which it can productively accomplish the task.
http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/generalscience/mars_bacterium.html
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