BioMoon: a concept for a mission to advance space life sciences and astrobiology on the Moon
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: As humans advance their presence in space and seek to improve the quality of life on Earth, a variety of science questions in support of these two objectives can be answered using the Moon. In this paper, we present a concept for an integrated mission focused on answering fundamental and applied biological questions on the Moon: BioMoon. The mission was designed to investigate the effects of the lunar radiation, gravity, and regolith on biological systems ranging from biomolecules to systems with complex trophic interactions, spanning a range of model organisms. Using common analytical systems and data processing, BioMoon represents a systems-level integrated life sciences mission. It would provide fundamental insights into biological responses to the lunar environment, as well as applied knowledge for In-Situ Resource Utilisation (ISRU), closed-loop life support system development, planetary protection and human health care. The mission was conceived to test biotechnology and sensor technology for lunar and terrestrial application and provide education and outreach opportunities. Although BioMoon was considered in the context of the European Space Agency’s Argonaut (European Large Logistics Lander) concept, the mission design provides a template for any integrated life sciences experimental suite on the Moon and other celestial bodies, implemented either robotically or by human explorers.
Source: Discover Space.
Authors: Charles S. Cockell, David A. Green, Nicol Caplin, Jessica Grenouilleau, Francesca E. McDonald, Marco Calvaruso, Daniela Billi, David C. Cullen, Matthew P. Davey, Veronica De Micco, Andreas Elsaesser, Timothy Etheridge, Christine Gläßer, Christine E. Hellweg, Crina S. Ilea, Antoine Lecocq, Natalie Leys, Javier Martin-Torres, Miracle Nazarious, Claudia Pacelli, Cyrille Przybyla, Elke Rabbow, Kate Robson Brown, Alvaro Soria-Salinas, Nathaniel Szewczyk, Walter Tinganelli, Erin M. Tranfield, Jean-Pierre de Vera, Cyprien Verseux
Institutions: University of Edinburgh, King's College London, Cologne University of Music, Federal Office of Administration, University College London, European Space Agency, European Space Research and Technology Centre, Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology, National Research Council, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Cranfield University, Scottish Association For Marine Science, University of Naples Federico II, Freie Universität Berlin, University of Exeter, Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e. V. (DLR), University of Copenhagen, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, University of Aberdeen, Agenzia Spaziale Italiana, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Ifremer, Université de Montpellier, Marine Biodiversity Exploitation and Conservation, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, University College Dublin, University of Bristol, Ohio University, GSI Helmholtz Centre for Heavy Ion Research, VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, University of Bremen
Language: English
Subfield: Physiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,520
OpenAlex ID: W4403810083