Jul 17, 2025

8 Animals That Can Survive in Outer Space

Aanya Mehta

Tardigrades (Water Bears)

The ultimate survivors, they can withstand the vacuum, radiation, and freezing temperatures of space. They went into low Earth orbit on missions and came back alive!

Source: Google Images

Cockroaches

Russian experiments showed cockroach eggs hatched faster after exposure to space radiation. They are considered extremely radiation-resistant and hardy.

Source: Google Images

Nematodes (Roundworms)

These tiny worms were aboard the Columbia space shuttle and survived its tragic re-entry. They’re used in experiments due to their genetic similarity to humans.

Source: Google Images

Bacteria (Deinococcus Radiodurans)

Known as “Conan the Bacterium,” it can survive intense radiation and extreme dryness. It’s been exposed to space vacuum and UV on the ISS and lived.

Source: Google Images

Fungus (Cryomyces Antarcticus)

Found in Antarctica, this fungus survived two weeks on the exterior of the ISS. It’s being studied for astrobiology and Mars survival potential.

Source: Google Images

Brine Shrimp (Sea Monkeys)

These tiny creatures can be dehydrated and revived, making them perfect for space missions. NASA took them on Apollo missions to study development in microgravity.

Source: Google Images

Flatworms

Sent to the ISS, they showed regenerative abilities even after space exposure. One even returned with two heads, shocking scientists.

Source: Google Images

Mussel Larvae

Sent in bio-payloads, mussel larvae survived microgravity and radiation in space. Their shell-forming ability was intact, hinting at space-adaptive traits.

Source: Google Images

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