Are Genetically Enhanced Humans the Key to Conquering Space?
As we consider human settlements on the Moon, Mars, and beyond, much attention is given to travel times, food, and radiation risks. Facing the harsh environment of deep space, some thinkers suggest genome editing as a way to help humans tolerate these severe conditions as we venture further into the solar system.
In January, I attended a debate between astronomer royal Lord Martin Rees and Mars exploration advocate Dr. Robert Zubrin at the British Interplanetary Society. They discussed whether Mars exploration should be human or robotic. In their book, The End of Astronauts, Lord Rees and co-author Donald Goldsmith highlight the benefits of using robotic spacecraft for solar system exploration, avoiding the expense and risk of sending humans. Dr. Zubrin supports human exploration.
Both agreed on the potential of gene editing technology to help humans overcome the immense challenges of becoming an interplanetary species. Since 2011, we have been able to accurately edit genomes, starting with Crispr-Cas9, a molecular tool that is now so accessible it can be used in a high school lab. Techniques like base and prime editing allow for precise changes in the genome of any living organism.
Gene editing has almost limitless potential for space travel. One major hazard in deep space is the high radiation dosage, which can cause significant harm and increase the long-term risk of cancer. By inserting genes from plants and bacteria that clean up radiation, we could potentially protect humans from such hazards.
Eminent thinkers, including Lord Rees, believe this technology is crucial for our advancement across the solar system. We might also insert genes that slow down aging and counter cellular breakdown. Additionally, we could engineer crops that resist radioactivity, enabling astronauts to grow their own food, and personalize medicine based on genetic makeup.
Tardigrades, microscopic animals known as “water bears,” can tolerate extreme conditions, including the vacuum of space. Geneticists are studying their genomes to uncover the genes and proteins that give them this extraordinary stress tolerance. By inserting these genes into crops, we could make them more resilient to radiation and environmental stress. There is even speculation about inserting tardigrade genes into humans to increase our resilience in space. Experiments have shown that human cells in the lab developed increased tolerance to X-ray radiation when tardigrade genes were inserted.
However, extensive research is needed before such advancements can be realized. Several governments have enforced strict regulations on genome editing and other gene-insertion technologies. Germany and Canada are particularly cautious, but restrictions are relaxing in other parts of the world.
In November 2018, Chinese scientist He Jiankui announced the creation of the first gene-edited babies, introducing a gene that confers resistance to HIV infection. He was jailed but has since been released and allowed to resume his research. In the new space race, some countries may push the boundaries of genome editing further than others, reaping significant scientific and economic benefits.
If futurists like Rees are correct, genome editing could significantly advance our expansion into the cosmos. However, societal consensus is needed, and there will likely be opposition due to deep-seated fears about altering the human species. With the rapid advancement of base and prime editing, technology is moving faster than public discourse. One country may take the leap while others hesitate, revealing the true viability of these ideas.
Until then, we can only speculate with curiosity and excitement.
Sam McKee, Associate Tutor and PhD Candidate in Philosophy of Science, Manchester Metropolitan University
Source: Are Genetically Enhanced Humans the Key to Conquering Space?
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