New Delhi . Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will do at least seven experiments during a 14 -day stay at the International Space Station next month, including to grow crops and study about microorganisms in space. The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), NASA and European Space Agency (ESA) will do seven experiments during the Ex-AM Mission-4 (X-4) set in late May. Astronauts from America, Hungary and Poland will also be involved during this visit. During this journey, ISRO will study the micro -organism 'Tardigrade' in a partnership with NASA and Woyzer.

What are tardigrads?
Tardigrade is a microscopy with eight-tongs living in water. It is also known as water beer or moss piglet. 'Tardigrades' are microbes and are known for the ability to survive in extreme conditions. 'Tardigrades' have been on earth for nearly 60 million years and in the near future also they will be able to withstand any major changes in the world's climate. Because of its texture, it is also called water bear.

Tardigrade was discovered in 1773 by German zoologist Johan August Egust Empram Goege, who gave it the nickname of 'Pani Chhota Bear'. Three years later, the Italian biologist Lazaro Spalenzani named the group “Tardigrada” or a slow running due to his way of walking.

1300 species of tardigrade
Scientists have identified about 1,300 tardigrade species. They can survive in hard heat, icy cold, ultraviolet radiation and even external space. They do this by becoming a dry small ball, called tune, and almost their metabolism (the way they obtain energy from food), only revives when the circumstances are better. In fact, this harsh small water bear has been found in research that will probably live for a long time even after humanity has left.

During this experiment, the revival, survival and reproduction of tardigrade will be examined at the international space station. Axiom Space said that studying about tardigrade can help in future space exploration and promote new applications of biotechnology on Earth.