Microorganisms as Astro-pioneers for Long-term Sustainable Human Presence in Space

Space biotechnology holds enormous potential for revolutionizing human space exploration, particularly through deep-space experiments and the application of microorganisms as vital actors in extraterrestrial habitats. Additionally, with growing interest in expanding the human presence in space by establishing sustainable Lunar and Martian bases, there is a pressing need to explore how microbial processes can be leveraged in these extraterrestrial environments.

Envisioning the future of space biotechnology, this Research Topic explores the potential of employing microorganisms in deep-space experiments and applications. It examines how microbial processes can be adapted for use in space habitats such as spacecraft, space stations, and Lunar or Martian environments. The focus is on their roles in in-situ resource utilization, waste recycling, food and drug production, modification of enclosed ecosystems and local environments, as well as functioning as biofactories. Current and upcoming space-based platforms, including free-flying satellites, governmental and commercial space stations, and Lunar commercial landers, will enable novel research opportunities and support technology maturation, and are covered within this thematic collection. Furthermore, innovative technologies that enable such research and applications, for example real-time microbial and environmental monitoring, are also discussed.

This Research Topic aims to offer a groundbreaking perspective to identify new avenues for space biology and biotechnology, leveraging microbial versatility to support sustainable human space exploration, and investigating the adaptation potential of life as we know it to the space environment.

We seek contributors that explore:

• Microbial biotechnology for in-situ resource utilization
• Biotechnology for loop closure and sustainable use of resources in space
• Microbiome and human health in space
• Applications and uses of synthetic biology to augment microbial capabilities in space.
• Cyanobacteria: their use in space biotechnology and synthetic biology
• Fungal biotechnology for human space exploration
• Waste recycling and upcycling in space
• Astrobiological research which investigates adaptations and responses of microbial life to the space environment
• Translation of bio-based industrial processes from Earth to space and planetary environments
• Platforms and technologies that enable the maturation of the topics above.

The Editors welcome a variety of article types, including Brief Research Report, Hypothesis & Theory, Methods, Original Research, Perspective, Review and Mini Review.






Conflict of Interest Statement

Luis Zea is the Founder of Jaguar Space, a bioastronautics consulting and access-to-space firm, and the Chief Scientist at Starlab Space, an international joint venture building a commercial space station. All other Topic Editors declare no competing interests.

Keywords: Space Microbiology, Biotechnology, Space Habitats, ISRU, Sustainable Space Exploration, Human Space Exploration, Astrobiology

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.