Why Space Biology Is The Next Great Innovation Opportunity

Space exploration has long captured the imagination of humanity, with technological innovation often taking centre stage. From advanced propulsion systems to intricate robotic explorers, our focus has been on the ‘technological how’ of space travel.

Yet, as ambitions extend towards Mars and beyond, a more pressing question arises: how do we ensure that our human biology can withstand the challenges of long-duration missions? Although we have pushed the frontiers of engineering and physics to take us to new worlds, the frailty of the human body could become the ultimate bottleneck.

Addressing this issue is not only a necessity for space programmes, it is also a catalyst for innovation that could transform human healthspan and industries on Earth.

In the USA, NASA’s Translational Research Institute for Space Health (TRISH), Human Research Program (HRP), Open Science Data Repository (OSDR) and in Europe, the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Life Sciences Working Group (LSWG) and Topical Teams (TT) have pioneered efforts to understand how microgravity, cosmic radiation and other space-specific stressors affect human biology.

These programmes have delved into areas such as muscle and bone degeneration, immune suppression and even the impact of isolation on mental health. However, substantial biological challenges persist. With the Terrae Novae Strategy 2030+ and NASA’s Artemis missions to the Moon and beyond, sights are now set on the ambitious goal of a crewed mission to Mars, potentially as early as the mid- to late 2030s.

However, the Martian atmosphere is an exceptionally harsh environment: extremely cold, devoid of oxygen and rich in carbon dioxide, all of which make it seemingly inhospitable to human life. Without targeted funding and strategic initiatives, this vision of long-duration missions could remain out of reach.

Understanding ageing on Earth through accelerated ageing in space as an untapped opportunity. Ageing in space may mimic ageing on Earth, making mechanistic understanding essential. One of the most susceptible organs to cellular necrosis and ageing on Earth is the kidney, which is linked to acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease. Kidney deterioration is also likely to be one of the greatest biological challenges for long-duration space missions (Siew et al., 2024; Ferenbach and Bonventre; 2015).

Beyond the horizon: Why space biology is the next great innovation opportunity, Experimental Physiology (open access)

Astrobiology, Space Biology,