Beyond Earth: Harnessing Marine Resources for Sustainable Space Colonization
MARE researcher Marco Lemos is the author of the article ‘Beyond Earth: Harnessing Marine Resources for Sustainable Space Colonisation’ recently published in the scientific journal Marine Drugs. In the article, the researcher discusses how various marine organisms, and the products derived from them, could potentially sustain life on the outside of our planet.
With the growing ambition to expand the human presence beyond Earth, the colonisation of space faces significant challenges, such as the scarcity of resources and an inhospitable environment. In recent years, advances in space biotechnology have presented innovative solutions to guarantee human survival on prolonged missions in space, based on the use of marine organisms and ocean-derived substances.
It is in this context that MARE researcher Marco Lemos explores these possibilities, highlighting the potential of marine creatures - such as algae, invertebrates and microorganisms - in the development of bioregenerative life support systems.
Their research suggests that these organisms could be crucial in a number of areas, including food production, medicines, radiation protection, and as a source of energy and materials. In addition, marine-derived products can also be used to create closed systems that allow life to be maintained in space habitats and provide a solid basis for self-sufficiency in long-duration missions and colonies on other planets.
In the article, the author considers that the development of these new technologies also involves the development of deep sea research. The exploration of the depths of the Earth's ocean not only offers valuable resources to meet the challenges of life in space, but also opens the door to innovations in the field of blue biotechnology.
By integrating marine sciences with space exploration, blue biotechnology opens up new possibilities for building a future where humanity not only survives, but thrives off Earth. This emerging field promises to revolutionise the way we approach space colonisation by transforming the riches of the oceans into essential tools for life in the cosmos.
With the continuous advance of space biotechnology, we are getting closer to realising the dream of a self-sustaining human presence in space, taking the first steps towards an interplanetary future. The union of human creativity with the wisdom of marine nature could be the key to humanity's next great achievement: the successful colonisation of other planets.
To access the article click HERE