Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will study tardigrades, also known as water bears or moss piglets, during his two-week mission at the International Space Station (ISS). These microscopic organisms are fascinating subjects for scientific research.
Tardigrades, discovered in 1773, are tiny creatures, about 0.5 mm long when fully grown. They have four pairs of legs with claws and a specialized mouth for feeding on plants, algae, and small invertebrates. These hardy animals have existed for approximately 600 million years.
They are found in diverse environments, from high mountains to deep oceans, but are most commonly found in the thin films of water on mosses and lichens. Scientists study them on the ISS to understand their resilience to extreme conditions.
The goal is to examine the effects of space radiation and microgravity on their biological processes and DNA repair. Researchers aim to identify the genes that make them resilient, which could help protect astronauts during space missions.
This research could lead to advancements in creating more resilient crops, developing advanced sunscreens, and preserving human tissues and organs for transplantation. In 2007, tardigrades survived exposure to space during the European Space Agency's Foton-M3 mission, even reproducing successfully.
These water bears became the first animals to survive direct exposure to the harsh environment of space. This study offers insights into the remarkable adaptability of life and its potential applications on Earth and beyond.