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

Author

Listed:
  • Rosa Santomartino

    (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

    (University of Edinburgh)

  • Jesse Colangelo

    (Cemvita Factory)

  • Yosephine Gumulya

    (Queensland University of Technology)

  • Benjamin Lehner

    (DMEC)

  • Ivanna Lopez-Ayala

    (Universidad del Valle de Guatemala)

  • Sean McMahon

    (University of Edinburgh)

  • Anurup Mohanty

    (Blue Marble Space Institute of Science
    SRM Institute of Science and Technology)

  • Sergio R. Santa Maria

    (NASA Ames Research Center
    KBR, Moffett Field)

  • Camilla Urbaniak

    (California Institute of Technology
    ZIN Technologies Inc)

  • Rik Volger

    (Delft University of Technology)

  • Jiseon Yang

    (Arizona State University)

  • Luis Zea

    (University of Colorado Boulder)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Rosa Santomartino & Nils J. H. Averesch & Marufa Bhuiyan & Charles S. Cockell & Jesse Colangelo & Yosephine Gumulya & Benjamin Lehner & Ivanna Lopez-Ayala & Sean McMahon & Anurup Mohanty & Sergio R. S, 2023. "Toward sustainable space exploration: a roadmap for harnessing the power of microorganisms," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-11, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:14:y:2023:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-023-37070-2
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37070-2
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Charles S. Cockell & Rosa Santomartino & Kai Finster & Annemiek C. Waajen & Lorna J. Eades & Ralf Moeller & Petra Rettberg & Felix M. Fuchs & Rob Houdt & Natalie Leys & Ilse Coninx & Jason Hatton & Lu, 2020. "Space station biomining experiment demonstrates rare earth element extraction in microgravity and Mars gravity," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 11(1), pages 1-11, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Gretchen Vengerova & Isaac Lipsky & Gwyneth A. Hutchinson & Nils J. H. Averesch & Aaron J. Berliner, 2024. "Space bioprocess engineering as a potential catalyst for sustainability," Nature Sustainability, Nature, vol. 7(3), pages 238-246, March.
    2. Enrico Orsi & Pablo Ivan Nikel & Lars Keld Nielsen & Stefano Donati, 2023. "Synergistic investigation of natural and synthetic C1-trophic microorganisms to foster a circular carbon economy," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-9, December.

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    1. Gretchen Vengerova & Isaac Lipsky & Gwyneth A. Hutchinson & Nils J. H. Averesch & Aaron J. Berliner, 2024. "Space bioprocess engineering as a potential catalyst for sustainability," Nature Sustainability, Nature, vol. 7(3), pages 238-246, March.
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