Toward sustainable space exploration
a roadmap for harnessing the power of microorganisms
Rosa Santomartino (The University of Edinburgh)
Nils J.H. Averesch (Stanford University, Center for Utilization of Biological Engineering in Space)
Marufa Bhuiyan (Everest Innovation Lab)
Charles S. Cockell (The University of Edinburgh)
Jesse Colangelo (Cemvita Factory)
Yosephine Gumulya (Queensland University of Technology)
Benjamin Lehner (DMEC)
Ivanna Lopez-Ayala (Universidad del Valle de Guatemala)
Rik Volger (TU Delft - BT/Bioprocess Engineering)
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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.
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