Studying the microscopic organisms known as tardigrades, or 'water bears', in space has been a significant area of research for scientists. Tardigrades, which have been around for millions of years, are incredibly resilient creatures capable of surviving extreme conditions.

What are Tardigrades?

Tardigrades, also called 'water bears', are small aquatic animals with eight legs that have been on Earth for over 600 million years. They have survived multiple mass extinction events and are known for their ability to adapt to harsh environments.

These tiny creatures, measuring about 0.5 mm in length, have unique features such as four pairs of legs with claws and a specialized mouth for extracting nutrients from various sources.

They can be found in diverse habitats, from mountains to oceans, with their common dwelling being the thin water film on mosses and lichens.

Why Study Tardigrades?

Scientists are interested in studying tardigrades due to their extraordinary resilience. These creatures can survive extreme temperatures, radiation, and pressure, making them valuable subjects for research.

Understanding how tardigrades survive in such harsh conditions could lead to advancements in agriculture, sunscreen development, and organ preservation for transplantation.

Resilience Mechanisms of Tardigrades

Tardigrades owe their resilience to a state called cryptobiosis, where they can reduce their metabolism to less than 0.01% of normal levels. They also produce unique proteins that protect their cells from damage under extreme conditions.

These proteins form a gel-like matrix that shields essential cellular components, enabling tardigrades to endure space conditions.

The Voyager Tardigrades Experiment

The Voyager Tardigrades experiment involves sending these creatures to the International Space Station in a tun state before reviving them to study the effects of space radiation and microgravity on their biology.

Scientists aim to identify the genes responsible for tardigrades' resilience, which could help in developing strategies to protect astronauts during long space missions.

Previous Space Missions with Tardigrades

Since 2007, tardigrades have been part of space missions, with some surviving and reproducing after exposure to the harsh space environment. This experiment confirmed their status as one of Earth's most durable organisms.

Before tardigrades, no animal had survived exposure to space without the protection of a spaceship or suit.

Source: The Indian Express