In an astounding occurrence in the annals of space travel, it is probable that microscopic creatures known as tardigrades endured a crash landing on the Moon’s surface. The transport vehicle was Israel’s Beresheet probe, which met with mishap in April 2019.
The Beresheet Probe’s Journey
The brainchild of the Israeli non-profit organisation, SpaceIL, the Beresheet probe embarked on a landmark private mission to the Moon. It commenced its odyssey in February 2019, taking off aboard the Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral in Florida, USA. After a two-month journey, it arrived in lunar orbit in April 2019.
About Tardigrades
Bearing the adorable nicknames water bears or moss piglets, tardigrades call various environments their home. They can be found in terrestrial, marine, and freshwater ecosystems ranging from the frigid Arctic to the icy Antarctic. These incredibly versatile critters also dwell at great depths and altitudes.
Adaptability of Tardigrades
Possessing a remarkable ability for endurance, tardigrades can survive extreme conditions unlike any other known creature. They have been recorded withstanding the fiercest radiation, sizzling heat, and the coldest temperatures known in the universe. Amazingly, they can go without food for decades.
In terms of temperature tolerance, these creatures have a range that defies belief. They can exist in temperatures as high as 150° Celsius to as low as minus 272° Celsius, albeit for short durations.
Besides their dietary fortitude and thermal resilience, these grub-like beings, featuring eight legs, possess an astonishing capability to recover from desiccation. This remarkable trait allows tardigrades to return to life after being dehydrated to a husk-like state for decades, survive in nearly zero pressure environments like outer space, and resist the crushing pressures at the depths of the Mariana Trench.
Significance of Tardigrades
Owing to their microscopic size and multicellular structure, tardigrades hold a special place in the biosphere. They are among the most durable life forms inhabiting Earth and their resilience in the face of extreme conditions makes them a subject of intense scientific study.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Size | Microscopic |
| Body Structure | Multicellular |
| Thermotolerance Range | -272° to 150° Celsius |
| Pressure Resistance | Can endure depths of Mariana Trench |
| Radiation Resistance | High |
| “Revive” Ability | Can rehydrate after decades of desiccation |
The Lunar Impact on Tardigrades
Considering the extraordinary toughness of these microscopic creatures, it is plausible that the tardigrades aboard Israel’s Beresheet probe survived the lunar crash. This incident indicates the potential for life transfer between celestial bodies and poses intriguing questions for astrobiologists.
