Editing Humanity for Space: A Leap of Faith or a Giant Step?

As we contemplate the possibility of establishing human settlements on the Moon, Mars, and beyond, a crucial debate is unfolding. Should we prioritize robotic exploration or human missions? The answer lies in the realm of gene editing, a technology that has revolutionized our ability to alter human DNA. Lord Martin Rees, the Astronomer Royal, and Mars exploration advocate Dr. Robert Zubrin have taken opposing stances on this issue. Rees advocates for the use of gene editing to enable humans to overcome the immense challenges of becoming an interplanetary species. Zubrin, on the other hand, supports human exploration. Gene editing has come a long way since 2011, when the molecular tool Crispr-Cas9 was first introduced. Today, this technology can be used in high school labs for a relatively low cost and has even been employed on the International Space Station. Techniques like base and prime editing have enabled scientists to make precise changes to the genome of any living organism. The potential applications of gene editing for space travel are vast. For instance, inserting genes from plants and bacteria that can clean up radiation could mitigate the risks of radiation exposure in deep space. This concept may seem like science fiction, but Rees believes it is essential for our advancement across the solar system. Imagine a future where the human genome is so well understood that it has become pliable under personalized medicine. This is not a distant possibility, as we are already sequencing DNA in space. Kate Rubins, a NASA astronaut, was the first person to sequence DNA in space. But what about the potential risks? Tardigrades, microscopic animals that can tolerate extreme temperatures, pressures, high radiation, and starvation, have sparked interest among geneticists. Could we insert their genes into crops to make them resistant to radiation and environmental stress? Even more intriguing is the possibility of inserting tardigrade genes into our own genome to make us more resilient to the harsh conditions in space. However, we must acknowledge the controversy surrounding genome editing. Germany and Canada have been cautious in their approach, while other countries seem to be relaxing their restrictions. The Chinese scientist He Jiankui's announcement of gene-edited babies in 2018 sparked international outrage, and he was subsequently jailed. Yet, he has since been released and allowed to resume his research. As we venture into the new space race, certain countries may push the boundaries of genome editing, potentially leaving others behind. Whoever takes the lead will reap enormous scientific and economic benefits. But society must agree to this path forward.