The short answer is: we don't know for sure.
While we've sent various animals into space, including dogs, monkeys, and even mice, no experiments have specifically focused on reproduction in a zero-gravity environment.
Here are some factors that might influence animal pregnancy in space:
- Radiation: Space is filled with high levels of radiation, which can damage DNA and potentially affect fertility.
- Microgravity: The lack of gravity could interfere with the development of the fetus and the normal functioning of the reproductive system.
- Stress: The stress of space travel could also impact the reproductive cycle.
While we haven't seen a space baby yet, scientists are working on understanding the effects of space travel on animals and humans, including reproduction.
Future missions might include experiments focused on animal reproduction in space, providing us with much-needed information about the feasibility of long-term space travel and its impact on future generations.
