What are Tardigrades?

Among the scientific experiments Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will undertake during his two week stay at the International Space Station (ISS) is one that will examine the revival, survival, and reproduction of tardigrades in space.

About Tardigrades (“Water Bears” / “Moss Piglets”):

• Nature: Robust aquatic animals.
• Longevity: Existed for approximately 600 million years (400 million years before dinosaurs).
• Resilience:
  • Survived all five major mass extinction events.
  • Scientists believe they may outlive humanity.
• Physical Characteristics:
  • Typically ~0.5 mm long when fully grown.
  • Four pairs of legs, with 4-6 claws on each foot.
  • Specialized mouth for sucking nutrients from plant cells, algae, and small invertebrates.
• Habitat: Found almost everywhere, from mountains to deep oceans. Most common in the thin film of water on mosses and lichens (hence “moss piglets”).
• Discovery: Discovered in 1773 by German zoologist Johann August Ephraim Goeze.
• Recent Research: Subject of intensive research in recent decades due to their remarkable resilience.
• Extreme Survivability (as per Front Line Genomics):
  • Temperatures: As low as -272.95°C or as high as 150°C.
  • Radiation: Endure ultraviolet radiation in space.
  • Pressure: Withstand pressures of 40,000 kilopascals (equivalent to 4 km ocean depth).
  • Cryopreservation: Can live after being stored in a freezer for 30 years.

(Source: IE)