Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla is preparing for his journey to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom 4 mission. Along with three other astronauts, he will conduct various experiments during his 14-day stay in space. One of the intriguing experiments is the Voyager Tardigrades mission, which aims to study how these microscopic creatures survive and repair themselves in the harsh environment of space. This research not only focuses on resilient life forms but also has implications for the future of human space exploration.

What are Tardigrades?

Tardigrades, also known as water bears, are resilient aquatic creatures that have been around for approximately 600 million years, surviving multiple mass extinction events on Earth. These tiny organisms, measuring about 0.5mm in length, have eight legs, claw-like structures, and a mouth specialized for extracting nutrients from various sources. They thrive in extreme conditions and are commonly found in moist environments like mosses and lichens.

Why Tardigrades in Space?

In the Voyager Tardigrades experiment, these organisms will be sent to the ISS in a dormant state and then revived to study the effects of space radiation and microgravity on their biology. By identifying the genes and molecular mechanisms responsible for DNA repair and maintenance in tardigrades, scientists hope to protect astronauts from radiation and prevent muscle and bone loss in zero gravity. Additionally, this research can help preserve biological materials during long-duration space missions.

It's worth noting that this is not the first time tardigrades have been sent to space. In 2007, nearly 3,000 tardigrades were part of the European Space Agency's Foton-M3 mission, where many of them survived and even reproduced upon returning to Earth.