Ladybird: First Insect In Outer Space

I always wanted to share this compelling story about the first insect in outer space. At least, I could brag something about my favorite insect. Ladybirds were the first insect sent to outer space along with aphids. I have not got the chance to go up there, but they were lucky to be taken up by a group of scientists for a research purpose. It happened in July 1999 when four ladybirds and a group of aphids were taken on the space shuttle Leo. Basically, they were part of a student (US & Chile)-designed experiment whereby their effectiveness in controlling aphids in a zero gravity environment was investigated. The result was fruitful in which it indicated that ladybirds could successfully prey on aphids even in a zero gravity condition. This showed that ladybird could be a good biocontrol agent of agricultural pests in outer space if we are to establish our own earth-like environment in any parts of terrestrial planets in the future. You can read more on Ladybugs in Space, unfortunately, the site could not be accessed.

Zoom, zoom ladybugss.....