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Synthetic biology in space: considering the broad societal and ethical implications

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 February 2012

Margaret S. Race ,
Jacob Moses ,
Christopher McKay  and
Kasthuri J. Venkateswaran
Margaret S. Race*
Affiliation:
SETI Institute, 189 Bernardo Ave., Mountain View, CA 94043, USA
Jacob Moses
Affiliation:
The Hasting Center, Garrison, NY, USA
Christopher McKay
Affiliation:
NASA-Ames Research Center, MS 245-3, Moffett Field, CA, USA
Kasthuri J. Venkateswaran
Affiliation:
NASA-JPL, Pasadena, CA, USA
*
e-mail: mrace@seti.org
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Abstract

Although the field of synthetic biology is still in its infancy, there are expectations for great advances in the coming decades, both on Earth and potentially in space. Promising applications for long duration space missions include a variety of biologically engineered products and biologically aided processes and technologies, which will undoubtedly be scrutinized for risks and benefits in the broad context of ethical, legal and social realms. By comparing and contrasting features of Earth-based and space-applied synthetic biology, it is possible to identify the likely similarities and differences, and to identify possible challenges ahead for space applications that will require additional research, both in the short and long terms. Using an analytical framework associated with synthetic biology and new technologies on Earth, this paper analyses the kinds of issues and concerns ahead, and identifies those areas where space applications may require additional examination. In general, while Earth- and space-based synthetic biology share many commonalities, space applications have additional challenges such as those raised by space microbiology and environmental factors, legal complications, planetary protection, lack of decision-making infrastructure(s), long duration human missions, terraforming and the possible discovery of extraterrestrial (ET) life. For synthetic biology, the way forward offers many exciting opportunities, but is not without legitimate concerns – for life, environments and society, both on Earth and beyond.

Keywords

ethicsrisks of new technologysocietal impactsspace applicationssynthetic biology
Type
Research Article
Information
International Journal of Astrobiology , Volume 11 , Issue 2 , April 2012 , pp. 133 - 139
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2012

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