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arXiv · 2110.13080

The First Interstellar Astronauts Will Not Be Human

Stephen Lantin·Sophie Mendell·Ghassan Akkad·Alexander N. Cohen·Xander Apicella·Emma McCoy·Eliana Beltran-Pardo·Michael Waltemathe·Prasanna Srinivasan·Pradeep M. Joshi·Joel H. Rothman·Philip Lubin
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Abstract

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.

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Stephen Lantin, Sophie Mendell, Ghassan Akkad, Alexander N. Cohen, Xander Apicella, Emma McCoy, Eliana Beltran-Pardo, Michael Waltemathe, Prasanna Srinivasan, Pradeep M. Joshi, Joel H. Rothman, Philip Lubin. 2021-10-25. The First Interstellar Astronauts Will Not Be Human. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actaastro.2021.10.009

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