TINY critters will be sent into orbit to research how to prepare humans for long-haul space trips.
Tardigrades could show how we would cope with punishing journeys to Mars.
The microscopic creatures — which can survive extreme conditions — will be sent to the International Space Station in May.
US company Axiom Space will conduct several experiments with the tiny animals during a 14-day mission with astronauts.
The bugs, also known as water bears, can protect and repair their DNA and are able to survive in extreme heat, freezing temperatures and ultraviolet radiation.
Axiom Space said: “The research seeks to identify molecular mechanisms for resilience of life in extreme environments.
“This could inform future space exploration and help develop biotechnology applications on Earth.”
Identified in 1773, tardigrades have eight legs but no lungs, gills or blood vessels and use a fluid-filled cavity for circulation.
They will join astronauts from the Indian Space Research Organisation to the ISS next month.
It comes after a surge in space tourism, with pop star Katy Perry blasting off a week ago with Amazon boss Jeff Bezos’s Blue Origin company.
Billionaire Elon Musk plans to send missions to Mars by 2029.
On Thursday, astronomers found chemicals associated with simple organisms on the K2-18b planet — the strongest evidence of life outside our solar system yet.
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