Animals That Survive in Space

Tardigrades – The Ultimate Survivor

These microscopic “water bears” can survive radiation, freezing, dehydration—and even the vacuum of space.

Cockroaches – Orbital Survivors

Cockroaches have survived low-Earth orbit and cosmic radiation, proving how disturbingly tough they really are.

Nematodes – Microscopic Space Guests

These roundworms endured six months on the ISS and returned to Earth alive, adapting to microgravity conditions.

Brine Shrimp – Dormant but Alive

Artemia (sea monkeys) can be sent in dormant cyst form to space and hatched later—perfectly unharmed.

Bacillus Bacteria – Radiation-Proof

Some Bacillus strains survive direct exposure to space UV and cosmic radiation—an experiment that stunned scientists.

Fruit Flies – First Insects in Space

Launched aboard a V-2 rocket in 1947, these flies were the first animals to experience space and return alive.

Moss Spores – Frozen Yet Thriving

Moss spores exposed to outer space conditions revived after rehydration, surviving extreme cold and radiation.