SpaceX will launch a cargo resupply mission to the International Space Station on Thursday. The spacecraft will carry more than 7,300 pounds of supplies, including experiments involving baby squid and tardigrades, new solar panels, and even fresh fruit.
SpaceX launches baby squid and water bears
Univ. of Florida/NASA
Juvenile bobtail squid swimming in seawater just after hatching.
CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida Astronauts on the International Space Station are about to get a special delivery.
SpaceX launched its 22nd cargo resupply mission to the space station on Thursday at 1:29 p.m. ET. The spacecraft is carrying more than 7,300 pounds of supplies, scientific research experiments and technology demonstrations. The vehicle will dock at the space station on Saturday.
Along for the ride are 5,000 tardigrades, also known as water bears, and 128 baby glow-in-the-dark bobtail squid.
Both will be involved in experiments on the space station, including assessing how water bears tolerate the space environment. Researchers also wants to know if the lack of gravity affects symbiotic relationships between the squid and beneficial microbes.
NASA is going to take squid into space in a mission that may remind you of the hit HBO series Watchmen. The space agency has decided to send 5,000 tardigrades or water bears, and 128 baby glow-in-the-dark bobtail squid to the International Space Station (ISS) this month to conduct research.
Water bears, along with several baby bobtail squids which glow in the dark, are going to the International Space Station (ISS) soon to help in a variety of science experiments.