What is Synthetic Astrobiology?

Synthetic astrobiology is a new field of scientific study that uses genetically modified organisms for space-based applications.

This emerging field is so small currently that there are only a handful of researchers worldwide that are working on problems in this space. Of the total synthetic biologists (maybe 5000 or so), there are about 100 researchers dedicating themselves to the ideas of using the tiny, self-replicating machines we know as microorganisms, to serve as useful materials for space.

Part of my writing will cover emerging ideas in this new field. I will work to get interviews with the leading researchers, and publish surveys and critiques of collected research. In addition, I will also be publishing science fiction vignettes as science fiction eventually informs science fact. Lastly, much of my work will center around sustainable science projects that I will be researching at Indie Lab that solve Maslow’s basic physiological needs. These projects will be suggestions of triplicate usage in consumer, 3rd world, and space-based applications and form the basis of potential technology companies. I hope that much of my writing will be educational and informative so please feel free to ask questions, post discussion links, and comment to clarify anything that I’ve written. As I progress, I hope to improve my communication skills so that everything is simple, clear, concise, and direct.

The ethical considerations of synthetic astrobiology will also be covered starting with some fundamental thoughts about life and the universe. This will serve as a foundation for further exploration into the nature of human interaction with space and the way humanity may need to change to go explore the stars.

Synthetic astrobiology will be one of the most important tools at our disposal for the survival of the human race. Using extremophiles and microorganisms, we can seed inhospitable planets with life and prepare worlds for human habitation before we arrive. This is through a process of induced panspermia.

Synthetic astrobiology can also be made to aid in sustainable technology on Earth that leads to reduced global carbon emissions, eradication of global homelessness and hunger, and production of energy and material goods. This distributed means of manufacturing may usher in an almost post-scarcity global revolution.

I am deeply excited to explore this topic more with you. Until tomorrow! ER.