Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #32693: Tardigrades on a Mission: How Tiny Creatures Could Protect Life on Mars

Tardigrades—also called water bears—are known as the toughest creatures on Earth. These microscopic animals can survive extreme heat, freezing temperatures, radiation, and even the vacuum of space. But can their incredible resilience help protect other life forms during future space missions to Mars? That’s exactly what scientists in Poland set out to discover in the International Space Station (ISS) experiment titled “Before Going to Mars: Can Tardigrades Help in Protecting Other Organisms in Space?”

Led by Dr. Ewa Szuszkiewicz from the University of Szczecin, this European Space Agency (ESA)-backed research initiative is a game-changer for space biology. Along with experts from Adam Mickiewicz University and the University of Silesia, the team is diving deep into how tardigrades interact with and potentially shield other organisms in space-like conditions.

When astronauts travel through space, their bodies are exposed to harsh cosmic radiation, low gravity, and extreme stress. If we’re going to send humans to Mars, we need ways to protect not just the astronauts but also the life support systems—like bacteria and plants—that make long-term space travel possible. Tardigrades could be part of the solution.

In this experiment, tardigrades were sent aboard the ISS during Expeditions 72 and 73. Scientists monitored how they survived and what kind of protective effects they had on other biological samples. The results may reveal ways to bioengineer or shield organisms during deep-space travel.

This isn’t just about survival; it’s about thriving. Tardigrades may help us develop new protective coatings, gene-editing techniques, or even symbiotic systems for future missions. Their ability to withstand radiation and desiccation could be the key to designing more resilient space habitats.

For students and space enthusiasts, this experiment demonstrates the importance of studying extremophiles—organisms that love extreme conditions. If we understand them better, we might unlock secrets that allow humanity to become an interplanetary species.

Join the Agnirva Space Internship Program to explore how organisms can survive and support human life beyond Earth.

Get certified with over 100 hours of immersive, self-paced learning in cosmology, space technology, and climate science through the Agnirva Space Internship Program. Join, complete virtual projects, and earn a digital certificate to showcase your space fluency in interviews, resumes, and beyond.