Extraterrestrial Settlements Research Articles

A novel method for extracting metals from asteroids using non-aqueous deep eutectic solvents

Extra-terrestrial mining and metal processing are vital for access to strategic metals for space exploration. This study demonstrates for the first time the catalytic dissolution of metals from meteorite proxies of metal-rich asteroids using a deep eutectic solvent (DES). DESs are of particular interest for extra-terrestrial mining as they can be designed to have relatively low vapour pressures and could potentially be made from organic waste products created in extra-terrestrial settlements. Three types of meteorites were investigated: two chondrites (H3, H5) and one iron (IAB-MG) meteorite. Chondrite samples were composed of silicates (olivine, pyroxene) with metal-rich phases occurring as native metal alloys, sulphides and oxides. Metallic Fe–Ni and troilite (FeS) are the most abundant metal-bearing phases in all three samples, particularly in the iron-rich meteorite. The samples were subjected to chemical micro-etching experiments with iodine and iron(III) chloride as oxidising agents in a DES formed from the mixture of choline chloride and ethylene glycol. Micro-etching experiments demonstrated that Fe–Ni rich phases are effectively leached out in this system, while other mineral phases remain unreactive.

To Other Planets With Upgraded Millennial Kombucha in Rhythms of Sustainability and Health Support

Humankind has entered a new era of space exploration: settlements on other planetary bodies are foreseen in the near future. Advanced technologies are being developed to support the adaptation to extraterrestrial environments and, with a view on the longer term, to support the viability of an independent economy. Biological processes will likely play a key role and lead to the production of life-support consumables, and other commodities, in a way that is cheaper and more sustainable than exclusively abiotic processes. Microbial communities could be used to sustain the crews’ health as well as for the production of consumables, for waste recycling, and for biomining. They can self-renew with little resources from Earth, be highly productive on a per-volume basis, and be highly versatile—all of which will be critical in planetary outposts. Well-defined, semi-open, and stress-resistant microecosystems are particularly promising. An instance of it is kombucha, known worldwide as a microbial association that produces an eponymous, widespread soft drink that could be valuable for sustaining crews’ health or as a synbiotic (i.e., probiotic and prebiotic) after a rational assemblage of defined probiotic bacteria and yeasts with endemic or engineered cellulose producers. Bacterial cellulose products offer a wide spectrum of possible functions, from leather-like to innovative smart materials during long-term missions and future activities in extraterrestrial settlements. Cellulose production by kombucha is zero-waste and could be linked to bioregenerative life support system (BLSS) loops. Another advantage of kombucha lies in its ability to mobilize inorganic ions from rocks, which may help feed BLSS from local resources. Besides outlining those applications and others, we discuss needs for knowledge and other obstacles, among which is the biosafety of microbial producers.

Kardashev Tokens: Energy Anchored, Rights Based, Entropic Transaction Units

Since its inception, money has been on the lookout for a credible intrinsic value. In the quest for Intrinsic value, money has been pegged to cattle, gold, other precious metals and so on. But the pegs haven’t held for long. Presently we are in that phase of economic evolution, where money is imposed by fiat i.e Fiat Money. But Fiat Money has its own pitfalls. Among others, Fiat Money has been unable to solve problems like economic inequality, risk of Hyperinflation, recession cycles etc. Fiat Money also does not have a solution for mankind’s aspiration for the stars. What kind of Money will be used in Extraterrestrial Settlements? In what manner will intra-planetary or inter-stellar trade be conducted? It is therefore evident that mankind’s rapid technological and cultural evolution cannot be fulfilled by existing money systems. To eliminate the downsides of Fiat Money or gold standard money, and also in the quest for money with ‘Future-enabling’ properties, we shall look into Kardashev Tokens. Firstly we will discuss the reasons why present money regimes lack the wherewithal to support rapid human advancements in technology, and culture. Secondly, the concept of a Kardashev Civilization is examined keeping in mind its economic ramifications. Based on this principle, the notion of Kardashev Tokens is derived. Next, we discuss the various aspects of Kardashev Tokens. Finally we shall conclude by summarizing the salient features of Kardashev Tokens.

Functional Organization of extraterrestrial underground base on Mars

In the article relevant problems of colonization of other planets by mankind and development of extraterrestrial settlements are examined, in particular colonization of Mars and creation of Martian multifunctional base. Modern projects of leading space agencies for research and Mars colonization, shipping of equipment and the first settlers to the planet, and also projects of the first Martian habitats within the modern space technologies are discussed. In response to that natural and climatic conditions of the planet Mars which could substantially influence the formation and development of extraterrestrial multifunctional base are analyzed. Main natural and climatic factors such as high radiation background, absence of atmosphere, extreme temperature profile, low gravity, that have significant influence on formation of the Martian settlement on functional architectural and organizational levels are determined in the study. Functional model for establishment of an autonomic multifunctional base in extraterrestrial environment under the surface of the planet is proposed like the most fully satisfying the requirements for organization of extraterrestrial artificial environment for human's long-term stay considering extreme climate conditions of planet Mars and the desire to create comfortable conditions for livelihood of Martian pioneers. Basic blocks are determined and zones being parts of these blocks, which form the basis of the functional organization of extraterrestrial multifunctional complexes are detected. Possible options for functional connections between blocks and zones are analyzed.

Commentary: What space scientists can learn from Arctic communities

To prepare for the social challenges of long-duration space missions and extraterrestrial settlements, a social anthropologist encourages researchers to study people who have lived in extreme environments for generations.

Reactivation of Microbial Strains and Synthetic Communities After a Spaceflight to the International Space Station: Corroborating the Feasibility of Essential Conversions in the MELiSSA Loop.

To sustain human deep space exploration or extra-terrestrial settlements where no resupply from the Earth or other planets is possible, technologies for in situ food production, water, air, and waste recovery need to be developed. The Micro-Ecological Life Support System Alternative (MELiSSA) is such a Regenerative Life Support System (RLSS) and it builds on several bacterial bioprocesses. However, alterations in gravity, temperature, and radiation associated with the space environment can affect survival and functionality of the microorganisms. In this study, representative strains of different carbon and nitrogen metabolisms with application in the MELiSSA were selected for launch and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) exposure. An edible photoautotrophic strain (Arthrospira sp. PCC 8005), a photoheterotrophic strain (Rhodospirillum rubrum S1H), a ureolytic heterotrophic strain (Cupriavidus pinatubonensis 1245), and combinations of C. pinatubonensis 1245 and autotrophic ammonia and nitrite oxidizing strains (Nitrosomonas europaea ATCC19718, Nitrosomonas ureae Nm10, and Nitrobacter winogradskyi Nb255) were sent to the International Space Station (ISS) for 7 days. There, the samples were exposed to 2.8 mGy, a dose 140 times higher than on the Earth, and a temperature of 22°C ± 1°C. On return to the Earth, the cultures were reactivated and their growth and activity were compared with terrestrial controls stored under refrigerated (5°C ± 2°C) or room temperature (22°C ± 1°C and 21°C ± 0°C) conditions. Overall, no difference was observed between terrestrial and ISS samples. Most cultures presented lower cell viability after the test, regardless of the type of exposure, indicating a harsher effect of the storage and sample preparation than the spaceflight itself. Postmission analysis revealed the successful survival and proliferation of all cultures except for Arthrospira, which suffered from the premission depressurization test. These observations validate the possibility of launching, storing, and reactivating bacteria with essential functionalities for microbial bioprocesses in RLSS.

Blockchains and Extra-Terrestrial Nations: Role of Blockchains in the Socio-Political Milieu of Future Extra-Terrestrial Settlements

Humanity is on the cusp of a great wave of space exploration and colonization of Extra-Terrestrial Bodies (ETB). This paper deals with the socio–political issues that may arise between Earth and E.T Settlements and the possible ways to resolve them. Firstly we discuss as to how early maritime explorations compare to present day space voyages. Based on the lessons learnt, we will analyse the socio–political relation between Earth and Extra-Terrestrial Settlements (ETS) and how some possibilities of conflicts can arise. We then evaluate as to how Blockchain systems can potentially keep earth and ETS tethered to each other and provide a way for harmonious co-existence. The paper concludes by summarizing the possible Socio–Political and Economic conflicts between Earth and future ETS and ways to resolve them.

Extra-Terrestrial Applications of Blockchains and Cryptocurrencies

It will be logistically and economically inappropriate to carry paper money or coins during space travel. The cost associated with such an undertaking is prohibitive and also illogical. We evaluate as to how value based transactions can be conducted in outer space. In this paper, the extra-terrestrial applications of BlockChains and cryptocurrencies are analysed. First, the concept of cryptocurrencies (also referred to as cryptocoins in this paper) is explained. Then the concept of Regulated and Sovereign Backed Cryptocurrencies (RSBCs) is discussed. We envisage a scenario where extra-terrestrial settlements use money to exchange value. The feasibility of paper money systems on future settlements outside earth is deliberated. The various advantages of BlockChains in facilitating economic activity in extra-terrestrial settlements are deliberated. Finally, the paper concludes as to why cryptocurrencies will be best suited to be the mainstream bills of exchange in extra-terrestrial settlements.

Cyanobacteria from Earth Survive Rocky Ride through Space

A cyanobacterium species launched into low-earth orbit survived 10 days in an open container before being isolated in a terrestrial microbiology laboratory, according to microbiologist Karen Olsson-Francis of the Open University in Milton Keynes, United Kingdom, and her collaborators. Not only does this outlandish isolation procedure suggest that at least some bacteria could endure longer journeys through space, a deeper look into the fortitude of this cyanobacterial species might yield some tips as to what it takes to maintain extraterrestrial settlements with populations of plants, animals, and humans. Meanwhile, details of the microbial experiments appear in the April Applied and Environmental Microbiology (76:2115–2121).

WITHDRAWN: A protocol of ultradiluted medicines for application in space missions and extraterrestrial settlements

This article has been withdrawn at the request of the editor. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. The full Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy .

Design principles for extraterrestrial communities

The first extraterrestrial human settlement for IO OOO dwellers is being designed in a series of conferences and workshops sponsored by NASA, the National Science Foundation, and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. Subsequent settlements will be much larger and self-supporting. This article discusses social and cultural considerations in the design of extraterrestrial settlements. The basic principle of biological and social processes is the increase of heterogeneity and symbiotisation. Diversity has survival value as well as contributing to a higher rate of cultural evolution. Designs must vary between settlements and within each settlement. Three different types of settlement designs are discussed: hierarchical; individualistic; and symbiotic.