Reaching for the Stars, Improving Life on Earth: The Promise of Synthetic Biology in Space
“Because of technologies from space exploration, we can begin to understand our world’s origins, and our lives are improving.”
Have you ever worked on a laptop computer? (perhaps you are reading this post on a laptop right now?) Have you ever used a cell phone to take a picture? Or get directions using your GPS? Have you ever had your temperature taken in your ear? Or lived in a home with a smoke detector? Or rested your head on a memory foam pillow?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you are the beneficiary of space innovation!
Conversely, many technologies developed for purposes here on earth have been adapted for use in space. Take cordless power tools for example. Astronauts need tools that do not require electrical outlets, can withstand rapid temperature fluctuations, and can be handled by astronauts wearing pressurized space suits. Space agencies did not set out to invent cordless power tools, but instead adapted an earth-bound tool for use in space.
Now, space agencies are looking to synthetic biology to solve some of the most challenging aspects of space exploration, such as sustainable food production, waste recycling, biomanufacturing to forge/repair tools, and biomining.
As you brainstorm ideas and decide on your project and village for the 2024 iGEM Competition, we encourage you to think outside the box on the possibilities. Your space project may have applications here on Earth, and your Earth project could have applications in space!
iGEM Space Initiative
iGEM has a long history of teams applying synthetic biology to challenges posed by space exploration. Since 2023, the iGEM Space Initiative provides additional support for teams wishing to work on space projects and other projects that may have space applications.
The iGEM Space Initiative features:
iGEM Space Network
We currently have over a dozen members from top institutes and space agencies ready to answer questions related to synthetic biology applied to space exploration. The iGEM Space Network is now available as a resource for teams wishing to develop and improve their space project. If you are working on a space project or believe your work has space applications, feel free to contact our network of experts at space-network [AT] iGEM [DOT] org for assistance and guidance! (Please note that members of the Space Network are volunteers who are donating their time and expertise for iGEM teams only.)
iGEM Space Teams Database
We have compiled a database of all iGEM teams that have worked on space-related projects. You can access this database to:
Explore projects by previous iGEM teams to glean insight from their experience, and find potential collaborators for current and future projects,
Map the landscape of iGEM space projects on a global perspective,
Examine a permanent record of iGEM projects related to space exploration that is updated annually, and
Screen for projects that can be applied to future space missions, such as the International Space Station and deep space
Space Village
Teams who are interested in working on space projects now have the option to join the Space Village as their first choice for the Grand Jamboree!
The Space Village will serve as a hub for teams, researchers and enthusiasts working on space exploration at the 2024 Grand Jamboree. Some of the potential topics you could explore in the Space Village include:
In situ resource utilization
Life Support
Space Biomining
Space Cybernetics
Space Manufacturing
Space Medicine
Terraforming
Webinars and Presentations
The iGEM Space Initiative will also provide opportunities for you to learn more about synthetic biology in space.
Meet the Space Network! April 3
We invite you to join us on April 3 for the webinar “iGEM in Space: Meet the Space Network”. This webinar will serve as a kick-off for teams working on space exploration. It will be a virtual event to emphasize the importance of synthetic biology applied to space exploration and to shed light on the feasibility of conducting a project on the topic for present and future iGEMers.
Register for the iGEM in Space: Meet the Space Network here.
Panelists:
Dr. Charles Cockell, University of Edinburgh
Dr. Christopher E Mason, Weill Cornell Medicine
Dr. Rodrigo Coutinho de Almeida, European Space Agency
Dr. Rosa Santomartino, University of Edinburgh
Presentation: Synthetic Biology in Space - Achievements and Possibilities
Also, check out “Synthetic Biology in Space – Achievements and Possibilities” from the 2023, now available on iGEM Video Universe.
Whether you are interested in working on a space project, or on any other project that you think may have potential applications in space, the iGEM Space Initiative is here to support you. As pioneers who push the boundaries of synthetic biology, iGEM teams will no doubt make substantial contributions in developing technologies for space applications that could benefit life here on earth, as well as technologies for earth that find their way into space exploration.
If you are interested in joining the iGEM Space Network, or would like to recommend someone with expertise in synthetic biology for space exploration, please reach out to us at space [AT] iGEM [DOT] org.
This blog post describes the iGEM Space Initiative led by iGEM Headquarters to provide resources and contacts for teams wanting to focus on space applications. Additional opportunities are available through the complementary initiative “SynBio in Space” led by members of the iGEM Community.
Cover Photo by Greg Rakozy on Unsplash
