Synthetic Biology for Human Space Missions: Ethical Issues and Practical Applications

Abstract

ABSTRACT Synthetic biology is a new and promising way of managing challenges which may be faced by astronauts during human space missions. Due to specific constraints, which include long term travel and future settlement where in-situ resources are limited, synthetic biology provides a rational solution. In this paper, we start from an evaluation of ethics of synthetic biology, and propose application of a systematic consequentialist approach for deployment. We discuss possible applications of synthetic biology in resource utilization and life support, which have direct applications to sustaining human-kind both on Earth and in space.