Voyager Tardigrades Experiment

Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will conduct an experiment on the survival and reproduction of tardigrades in space during his stay at the International Space Station (ISS).

Introduction to Tardigrades

• Tardigrades, or "water bears," are aquatic animals that have existed for approximately 600 million years.
• They are resilient creatures, having survived all five major mass extinction events.
• Typically, they are about 0.5 mm long and have four pairs of legs.
• Commonly found in the thin water film on mosses and lichens, they are also known as "moss piglets."

Significance of Studying Tardigrades

• Known for their resilience, tardigrades can survive extreme conditions such as: 
  • Temperatures ranging from -272.95°C to 150°C.
  • Ultraviolet space radiation and pressures of 40,000 kilopascals.
  • Being stored in a freezer for 30 years.
• Understanding their survival mechanisms can aid in developing: 
  • Resilient crops.
  • Advanced sunscreens.
  • Preservation techniques for human tissues and organs.

Tardigrades' Resilience Mechanisms

• Their resilience is attributed to cryptobiosis, which is a near-complete standstill of their metabolism in adverse conditions.
• They undergo anhydrobiosis, reducing their metabolism and water levels significantly.
• Possess unique proteins like CAHS, forming a protective gel-like matrix.

Aims of the Voyager Tardigrades Experiment

• Revive tardigrades on the ISS to study the effects of space radiation and microgravity.
• Identify genes responsible for their resilience and DNA repair.
• Develop strategies to protect astronauts in long-duration space missions.

Tardigrades' Space Missions

• First space mission occurred in 2007 during the European Space Agency's Foton-M3 mission.
• Some survived and reproduced despite space's harsh environment.
• Proved the vacuum of space alone is not a barrier to their survival.