This animal survived the vacuum of outer space
Tardigrades have survived the vacuum of space.
Reviewed by the CurioVault curator · 8 October 2026 · Last updated 26 September 2026 · Editorial standards
Tardigrades have survived the vacuum of space. These 0.5mm eight-legged micro-animals, also called water bears, were exposed outside the European FOTON-M3 satellite in 2007. They endured cosmic radiation, freezing, and no air for 10 days and revived on Earth. They do it by entering tun state, losing 97% of their water and producing glass-like proteins that protect cells. Their DNA is shielded by a unique protein Dsup. They can also survive 150°C, -272°C, and pressures six times the deepest ocean trench, making them the toughest animal known.
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