By Sara Thompson
Image credit is Isaac Watson, NASA Kennedy Space Center. Obtained from Wikimedia Commons.
Special to the Enterprise
Humans first went to space in 1961. However, before humans there have been a menagerie of animals leading the way to ensure safety for others. The types of animals that have been to space have ranged from insects to apes.
The first animals in space were fruit flies. They were chosen because they were small and could be carried by the similarly small rocket used to launch them, as well as their genetic makeup being similar to humans. In February 1947, these insects were taken to an altitude of 108km, which is the boundary of where space begins, and returned safely and unharmed. They were not even affected by radiation found in space. Ants are another type of insect that has been sent into space and study of their cooperative nature can help teach robots algorithms for searching for materials in space. Spiders have been to space in both 1973 and 2011. These experiments proved that they can spin webs in zero gravity. In the 2011 experiments aboard the International Space Station, found that the spiders were using light to orient themselves in place of gravity.
Aquatic animals have also traveled to space for observations. Many astronauts suffer from muscle atrophy when spending extended periods in space. To help observe and assess how organs are affected by being in space, zebrafish were studied. Zebrafish have transparent skin, which helps with the observation of organ change and health. Even small squid are taking part in important research. The bobtail squid has a symbiotic relationship with bioluminescent bacteria. Studying this relationship in space could help scientists understand animal-microbe relationships in humans away from Earth.
Mammals have also been study subjects in space. Sadly, early launches caused many of the mammal subjects to perish. However, when NASA took over studies in 1959, more animal astronauts were surviving due to better regulations and better built flight capsules. Mammal species in space include dogs, cats, rabbits, monkeys, apes, guinea pigs, rats, mice, and more. Mice have several biological similarities to humans, making them a frequently used research subject. When observed in the low gravity of space, they adapted quickly and do not have any adverse effects to behavior or health. They even appear to like running laps around their enclosures in zero gravity.
Learning about life in space is an ongoing process, but we would not have gone very far without our animal companions leading the way. Early research was rushed and were sadly a detriment to our first animal fliers, but new and ever updating regulations ensure the ethics and safety of the animals being studied in space in recent decades. The assistance of these cosmic critters will help ensure human safety in space for the future.
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• August 10-11, The Bear Facts. In celebration of Smokey Bear's 80th birthday, discover facts about the 8 bears of the world! This special exhibition will have replica skulls, claws, teeth, and more representing all 8 bear species, photo opportunities for the entire family, & special bear themed crafts. Courtesy of Kaotic Mythicals, this event is included with general $5 Admission to Explorit, 10am-2pm both days.
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