Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute Archives

The proposed flow diagram to create cryopreserved cells and test them in space. (a) Sampling of pelvic fins from the Starry Goby. (b) Fins and DNA samples can be stored in a biorepository. Fins can be placed dry in a cryovial, with a sterile damp sponge and with cells expanded into fibroblasts or cryopreserved and held in a biorepository. (c) An Earth biorepository, such as the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, where cryopreserved samples can be held for decades or potentially longer prior to launching into space. (d) Fibroblasts from fins expanded in the lab. (e) Fibroblast cells cryopreserved. (f) Cryopreserved cells and cryopackaging tested on Earth for robustness under space conditions. (g) Space-ready cryopreserved samples are sent to the International Space Station for testing and then returned to Earth for analysis of viability and changes to DNA.-- Smithsonian Institution

Astrobiology (general), Cryobiology, Gaia - Planetary Perspectives, Missions & Hardware, Moon, Panspermia, Press Release

Securing Earth’s Biodiversity – On The Moon

by Keith CowingAugust 2, 2024August 2, 2024

New research led by scientists at the Smithsonian proposes a plan to safeguard Earth’s imperiled biodiversity by cryogenically preserving biological material on the moon. The moon’s permanently shadowed craters are […]

Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

Securing Earth’s Biodiversity – On The Moon

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