Originally posted by TrashMan
Life is extremly resiliant, but you said it yourself - SIMPLE life (spores) can survive in space....
And it is scientificly proven that where there is water, there can be life....AND THERE IS NO WATER IN OUTER SPACE..
It definately has been proven on this planet that water seems to be crucial for live. However, its nearly impossible to assume that ALL types of life need water to survive. There is the theoretical assumption that life could take the form of a non-carbon base lifeform (i.e. we are carbon based). Not sure how that would work.
Then theres the fact that yes there is water in space. There are asteroids that are made of ice deposits, comets and meteors can have water in them, mars has water in its polar caps, heck they think there's probably some water on the moon (the most arid of places). Europa is theorized to be comprised largely of water. Titan has a nubmer of life building blocks, probably including some water....so yeah, I'd say water is around. Just nothing as spectacular as a ocean, a lake, or a river.
Just think this way: until you've turned over every stone on the beach, do not assume that there aren't any crabs under them.