通过星光计划开展的星际空间生物学研究。
Interstellar space biology via Project Starlight.
作者信息
Lantin Stephen, Mendell Sophie, Akkad Ghassan, Cohen Alexander N, Apicella Xander, McCoy Emma, Beltran-Pardo Eliana, Waltemathe Michael, Srinivasan Prasanna, Joshi Pradeep M, Rothman Joel H, Lubin Philip
机构信息
Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, 32611, FL, USA.
Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California - Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, 93106, CA, USA.
出版信息
Acta Astronaut. 2022 Jan;190:261-272. doi: 10.1016/j.actaastro.2021.10.009. Epub 2021 Oct 15.
Our ability to explore the cosmos by direct contact has been limited to a small number of lunar and interplanetary missions. However, the NASA Starlight program points a path forward to send small, relativistic spacecraft far outside our solar system via standoff directed-energy propulsion. These miniaturized spacecraft are capable of robotic exploration but can also transport seeds and organisms, marking a profound change in our ability to both characterize and expand the reach of known life. Here we explore the biological and technological challenges of interstellar space biology, focusing on radiation-tolerant microorganisms capable of cryptobiosis. Additionally, we discuss planetary protection concerns and other ethical considerations of sending life to the stars.
我们通过直接接触探索宇宙的能力一直局限于少数月球和行星际任务。然而，美国国家航空航天局（NASA）的星光计划指明了一条前进的道路，即通过远距离定向能推进将小型相对论宇宙飞船送往太阳系之外的遥远区域。这些小型化的宇宙飞船能够进行机器人探索，但也可以运输种子和生物，这标志着我们在表征和扩展已知生命范围的能力方面发生了深刻变化。在这里，我们探讨星际空间生物学的生物学和技术挑战，重点关注能够进行隐生状态的耐辐射微生物。此外，我们还讨论了行星保护问题以及向恒星发送生命的其他伦理考量。
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