Blueprint for forever: Securing human far futures with ectogenesis

Abstract

Whether from manmade or natural causes, future humans will be faced with events potentially leading to their own extinction. Strategies thus need be devised to ensure human survival and procreativity on future Earths. Here we consider a comprehensive survival strategy based on ectogenesis, the raising of embryos in artificial uterus systems. Using a general timeline for future mass extinction events on Earth, we show how ectogenesis with cryopreserved embryos could help humans to potentially survive all future extinction events. The strategy commences with conventional underground installations and progresses to embryo refuges built in permafrost zones and on the Moon or Mars. Missions to cope with far future or major extinction events would feature space refuges having only cryopreserved embryos and an entirely android crew.