Towards a Biomanufactory on Mars
Document Type
Article
Journal/Book Title
Frontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences
Publication Date
7-19-2021
Publisher
Frontiers Research Foundation
Volume
8
First Page
1
Last Page
14
Abstract
A crewed mission to and from Mars may include an exciting array of enabling biotechnologies that leverage inherent mass, power, and volume advantages over traditional abiotic approaches. In this perspective, we articulate the scientific and engineering goals and constraints, along with example systems, that guide the design of a surface biomanufactory. Extending past arguments for exploiting stand-alone elements of biology, we argue for an integrated biomanufacturing plant replete with modules for microbial in situ resource utilization, production, and recycling of food, pharmaceuticals, and biomaterials required for sustaining future intrepid astronauts. We also discuss aspirational technology trends in each of these target areas in the context of human and robotic exploration missions.
Recommended Citation
Berliner, A. J., Hilzinger, J. M., Abel, A. J., McNulty, M. J., Makrygiorgos, G., Averesch, N. J. H., Sen Gupta, S., Benvenuti, A., Caddell, D. F., Cestellos-Blanco, S., Doloman, A., Friedline, S., Ho, D., Gu, W., Hill, A., Kusuma, P., Lipsky, I., Mirkovic, M., Luis Meraz, J., Pane, V., Sander, K. B., Shi, F., Skerker, J. M., Styer, A., Valgardson, K., Wetmore, K., Woo, S.-G., Xiong, Y., Yates, K., Zhang, C., Zhen, S., Bugbee, B., Clark, D. S., Coleman-Derr, D., Mesbah, A., Nandi, S., Waymouth, R. M., Yang, P., Criddle, C. S., McDonald, K. A., Seefeldt, L. C., Menezes, A. A., and Arkin, A. P. (2021) Towards a Biomanufactory on Mars. Front. Astron. Space Sci. 8, 711550.
