How Do Tardigrades Survive in Outer Space?

💡 The Answer

• Tardigrades enter a cryptobiotic state called a tun, curling up and drying out.
• In this state their metabolism drops below 0.01% of normal, and they produce protective proteins.
• They can withstand extreme radiation, vacuum, and temperatures near absolute zero.
• Upon rehydration, they resume normal life even after decades in suspended animation.