<aside> 🟪 Customizing human genetics to improve resilience and adaptability for thriving in space exploration and extraterrestrial habitats.

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<aside> 💵 350 USDC | GG20

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The project started as a message in a Telegram discussion group:

For the longest time, I had this sense that longevity research and space exploration are two sides of the same coin. In my opinion, deep space exploration, colonization of other planets, even something like the idea of O’Neill cylinders are meaningless without significant human lifespan extension. The thing is, humans start to age faster once they are in space. This should be even more drastic outside the Van Allen belt.

Following this notion, I envisioned what I call the spacefarer phenome. So, phenome is the sum of all phenotypic traits a person possesses, which are dictated by the person’s genes. Since humans are different in their genetic make-up, I expect that there’s such a combination of genes, or gene variants, that would result in a phenotype that is most fit for space exploration and off-world settlement. Here, my vision for humanity is based on three cornerstones – space exploration technology, deep genomic sequencing, and personalized longevity medicine – all three to ensure a structured approach to establishing humanity’s presence on other worlds.

v.0.3

Abstract|

Unlocking humanity's potential for space exploration and colonization through human augmentation to specifically enhance traits that make people more capable of surviving and thriving under the unique conditions of space, such as extreme radiation, microgravity, and isolation. This involves identifying or engineering genetic variations that improve resilience, health, and adaptability for space exploration and living on other planets.

Summary|

The Spacefarer Phenome is the concept of an optimized collection of human phenotypic traits, dictated by genetics, that are specifically adapted for the rigors of space exploration and life in extraterrestrial environments. It encompasses the idea of identifying and/or engineering these traits to enhance human resilience against space-related challenges, such as increased radiation, microgravity, and isolation, aiming to improve the feasibility and sustainability of long-duration space missions and off-world colonization.

Problem|

As humanity aspires to explore and settle in space, we encounter unique challenges, such as harmful radiation, microgravity, and psychological stress, that impact human health and longevity. Traditional space missions have highlighted these issues, but the ambitious goal of colonization demands innovative solutions to ensure human survival and well-being in space.

Human physiology is not naturally suited to the harsh conditions of space, leading to accelerated aging, muscle degradation, bone loss, and psychological challenges. These factors severely limit the feasibility of long-duration space missions and the dream of colonizing other planets. Without addressing these challenges, the future of human space exploration and settlement remains uncertain.

Solution|

The Spacefarer Phenome is a visionary solution that focuses on identifying and engineering genetic traits that enhance human capabilities for space exploration. By leveraging advancements in genomics, biotechnology, and longevity research, this concept aims to develop a human phenotype optimized for space environments, ensuring individuals are better equipped to withstand the challenges of space travel and life on other worlds.