Toward sustainable space exploration: a roadmap for harnessing the power of microorganisms

Abstract

Finding sustainable approaches to achieve independence from terrestrial resources is of pivotal importance for the future of space exploration. This is relevant not only to establish viable space exploration beyond low Earth–orbit, but also for ethical considerations associated with the generation of space waste and the preservation of extra-terrestrial environments. Here we propose and highlight a series of microbial biotechnologies uniquely suited to establish sustainable processes for in situ resource utilization and loop-closure. Microbial biotechnologies research and development for space sustainability will be translatable to Earth applications, tackling terrestrial environmental issues, thereby supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Insights into the chaotropic tolerance of the desert cyanobacterium Chroococcidiopsis sp. 029 (Chroococcidiopsales, Cyanobacteria)

“…Moreover, the gathered insights on the perchlorate resistance of Chroococcidiopsis sp. CCMEE 029 might contribute to enhance the perchlorate resistance of microorganisms of interest for the biologically driven utilization of the perchlorate‐rich soil of Mars (Cockell, 2021; Santomartino et al., 2023). Further insights into the molecular targets, which could potentially implement as determinants for perchlorate tolerance, could be identified by a comprehensive characterization of the antioxidant systems of this cyanobacterium.…”

Building Synthetic Cells─From the Technology Infrastructure to Cellular Entities

“…In the absence of resupply, storage and reliability issues are key. As life is self-replicating and synthetic biology can transfer the ability to convert available resources into a more tractable form (say, a single cell that could produce wood or rubber), biotechnology has the potential to be the key to human survival off-planet. , Cells, especially microbes, are exquisitely good at nanotechnology and comparatively low-maintenance . The attainable savings in up-mass can be huge .…”

Visioning synthetic futures for yeast research within the context of current global techno‐political trends

“…In few areas of application will this approach of exploring the final biological frontier be more apparent than in space. To support human viability, future production of food, chemicals and materials in space will almost certainly be based on the deployment of synthetic organisms (Berliner et al, 2021; Montague et al, 2012; Santomartino et al, 2023), of which yeast will play a major role (Llorente et al, 2022). No other technology can promise such low weight at launch, with the ability to use end‐point resources for building biomass and product yield in a dried product.…”

“…This technology provides a pathway towards atmospheric carbon fixation for climate change mitigation on Earth, while also enabling research into gaseous carbon use in extra‐terrestrial environments. It is important to note, however, the key differences and difficulties between growing an organism in space compared to earth (Santomartino et al, 2023). For example, a key area of research necessary to enable these types of applications may involve hardening yeast chassis to cosmic and solar sources of radiation.…”