"Predicting the First Animals to Inhabit the Moon and Mars"
NASA plans to establish a lunar outpost and explore Mars, requiring the inclusion of animals in space ecosystems to perform vital tasks. While there's little consensus on which animals should colonize space, simpler animals like insects, crustaceans, fish, and possibly mice are considered more robust for space settlements. Insects and crustaceans could provide important services and serve as efficient food sources, while fish are seen as a high-protein, low-waste food source. Tardigrades, known for their ability to endure extreme conditions, are being considered for lunar colonization and could provide insights into withstanding radiation in space. However, the altered gravity on Mars and the moon poses a major challenge for animal development, and space colonization remains a distant goal with numerous engineering challenges.