Have you ever heard of tardigrades? These astonishing little creatures, often referred to as water bears, can survive extremes that would obliterate even the hardiest of life forms on Earth, including humans. Experts speculate that these eight-legged marvels could endure until the very end of our Sun, making them potentially the toughest life form on our planet!

Measuring just 1mm, about the size of a pinhead, tardigrades are unique in their appearance with plump bodies and fierce claws, resembling something out of a sci-fi show. They thrive in damp environments like moss and lichen but also exhibit a remarkable ability to exist in some of the most hostile conditions imaginable.

Space Travel? No Problem!

Incredibly, tardigrades made headlines in 2007 by becoming the first animals to survive being blasted into the vacuum of space! When their satellite returned to Earth, many of these tiny survivors were still alive and even capable of reproduction. In a 2019 lunar mission, some were carried on board a probe that unfortunately crash-landed on the Moon, leaving us pondering whether they managed to make it.

Radiation and Extreme Temperatures? Bring It On!

Scientists have tested the limits of these remarkable survivors and found that they can withstand radiation exposure up to a staggering 1,000 times the lethal dose for humans. They can endure scorching temperatures of 150°C (302°F) and freezing conditions just above absolute zero. In fact, research showed that tardigrades survived being propelled at speeds of 900m per second — faster than a bullet!

The Secrets to Their Resilience