Addis Ababa, February 6, 2026 (FMC) — Researchers from Chongqing University in China have conducted an experiment in which a butterfly hatches from a chrysalis in Earth’s orbit. The butterfly pupa was placed inside a compact experimental space ecosystem module developed by a team of scientists from the university and sent into space on 13 December 2025.
Images transmitted from orbit show the hatched butterfly moving inside the capsule, resting on plant leaves, and flapping its wings, demonstrating its adaptation to the microgravity environment.
“The successful emergence of the butterfly is not just about having an insect in space; it marks a solid step forward in verifying the feasibility of long-term operation of complex life support systems in orbit,” emphasised Xie Gengxin, the payload’s chief designer.
Working in low-gravity conditions creates great difficulties for the normal functioning of small closed ecosystems. The creation of a stable and safe artificial habitat in space is hampered by changes in the properties of liquids and disruptions in the transport of substances.
Scientists have created a lightweight but extremely durable payload module design weighing just 8.3 kilograms. According to the research team, it provides reliable protection for fragile living organisms under space conditions, TV BRICS reported, citing it Chinese partner Xinhua News Agency.
The installation is designed to mimic natural terrestrial ecosystems. Plants such as hot peppers are cultivated inside the fully autonomous system to produce oxygen and serve as food for insects. Microorganisms are responsible for waste processing, ensuring the stability of the atmosphere’s composition.
Recent scientific data indicate that the pressure, temperature and humidity levels inside the sealed payload container remain stable.
The completion of an important stage in the butterfly’s life cycle under extreme conditions demonstrates the ability of Earth life to adapt even in such harsh conditions, scientists believe.
The findings are expected to support the development of advanced life-support technologies for future deep-space missions. The research team plans to continue studying the performance of this installation and the adaptability of its elements to the external space environment.