Synthetic biology for space exploration
Silvano Onofri, Ralf Moeller, Daniela Billi, Michele Balsamo, Anke Becker, Eugenio Benvenuto, Alessia Cassaro, Ilaria Catanzaro, Charles S. Cockell, Angiola Desiderio, Tom Ellis, José Eduardo Gonzáles-Pastor, Christiane Hahn, Natalie Leys, Patrick Leo, Marie-Christine Maurel, Claudia Pacelli, Bruno Pavletić, Caterina Ripa, Lynn J. Rothschild, Leonardo Surdo
Abstract
Human space exploration faces different challenges. Topics like Bioregenerative Life Support Systems, In Situ Resource Utilization, and radiation protection, still require for more suitable solutions to be applied in long-term space exploration. Synthetic biology could be a powerful tool for enabling human exploration of space and planets. This paper explores key topics including resource utilization, life support systems, radiation protection, and human health, providing recommendations for short-, mid-, and long-term advancements in space exploration.