In April 2019, the Israeli spacecraft Beresheet met an untimely end on the Moon’s surface, scattering its cargo, including the virtually indestructible tardigrades, across the lunar landscape. This event has sparked scientific curiosity about the potential for Earth’s creatures to survive, and possibly even colonize, such an alien environment.
The Ill-fated Lunar Lander
Originally known as SpaceIL, the Israeli lunar lander Beresheet was a non-commercial venture by SpaceIL and Israel Aerospace Industries. Launched on February 22, 2019, its mission was to land in the Mare Serenitatis crater and transmit data from the surface for approximately two days. However, a main engine failure resulted in a crash landing, as reported by NASA.
Among its precious cargo was a collection of tardigrades and a “lunar library” – akin to a microscopic DVD filled with a vast archive of human history, including human DNA.
Tardigrades’ Lunar Adventure
Tardigrades, or water bears, are tiny creatures about a millimeter in length, known for their extraordinary resilience. They can withstand temperatures up to 150°C (302°F) or as low as nearly absolute zero. Before loading onto Beresheet, they were dehydrated and induced into a state of suspended animation known as cryptobiosis.
Nova Spivack, head of the Arch Mission Foundation, expressed high hopes for the tardigrades’ survival chances.
According to a report by Science Alert, these microscopic animals could potentially colonize the Moon, thanks to their remarkable ability to survive in almost any conditions. Laboratory tests previously showed that frozen samples of Hypsibius dujardini survived impacts against sand at speeds of up to 2600 km/h (1615 mph). The crash velocity on the Moon was lower, suggesting a glimmer of hope for these resilient creatures. However, the absence of liquid water, essential for their survival, poses a significant challenge.
Conclusion: The Possibility of Lunar Life
The inadvertent delivery of tardigrades to the Moon by the Beresheet lander raises fascinating questions about the resilience of life and its ability to adapt to extraterrestrial environments. While the harsh lunar conditions present formidable obstacles, the mere possibility of Earth’s hardiest creatures surviving on the Moon underscores the incredible adaptability of life. As we continue to explore our solar system and beyond, the tale of tardigrades on the Moon serves as a reminder of life’s tenacity and the unexpected ways it can endure.
