Blobs in space: Slime mould to blast off for ISS experiment

Astronauts aboard the International Space Station will be sent a guest the Blob, a type of slime mould, for an experiment on the effects of zero gravity on the creature's growth. — Roscosmos/Handout via REUTERS

Astronauts aboard the International Space Station are set to welcome a most unusual guest, as "the Blob" blasts off into orbit on Tuesday.

An alien on its own planet, the Blob is an unclassifiable organism – neither fish nor fowl. Nor is it plant, animal or fungus.