Abstract
For a long time the combination of stresses
(vacuum, space radiation, space UV, temperature
fluctuations) of outer space was believed to be lethal for
terrestrial organisms and, thus, idea of possibility of
interplanetary transfer of life was not supported by any
experimental evidence. During the last decades, a set of
international space research programs (“Expose-R”,
“Biorisk 1-3”, “Stone”, “Biopan”, etc.) revealed that
some groups of microorganisms and animals are resistant
to the outer space exposure and potentially capable to
interplanetary transfer, including re-entry into the
atmosphere. The absolute majority of the organisms
resistant to the harsh outer space environment are
presented by anhydrobiotic (even of the Earth capable to
surviving without water) species. A midge Polypedilum
vanderplanki (a.k.a. the sleeping chironomid) is the most
complex, yet believed to be “evolutionary the youngest”
animal with ability to anhydrobiosis. The confirmed
survival and further reproduction after months of outer
space exposure here is a cumulative result of
evolutionary traits providing this insect with
anhydrobiotic abilities.
