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Should the Space Station be an ark?

R Wassersug1

  • 1Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada.

Space Policy
|August 1, 1994
PubMed
Summary

Maximizing taxonomic diversity on the Space Station is debated, balancing scientific inquiry with Earth-focused applications. The quality of scientific questions should ultimately guide species selection for space biology research.

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Area of Science:

  • Space biology
  • Comparative biology
  • Astrobiology

Background:

  • Historical perspectives on non-traditional research organisms in space reveal cultural differences.
  • International Space Station (ISS) partners face challenges in establishing common principles for species selection.
  • Political pressures emphasize the ISS's role in benefiting life on Earth.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the advantages and disadvantages of maximizing species diversity on the ISS.
  • To propose principles for selecting research species for space biology.
  • To reconcile diverse international perspectives on space research organisms.

Main Methods:

  • Review of historical data in comparative space biology.
  • Analysis of arguments for and against taxonomic diversity on the ISS.
  • Case examples illustrating differential organismal responses to microgravity.

Main Results:

  • Similar organisms can exhibit distinct responses to microgravity, supporting the need for diverse species.
  • Political and economic considerations influence species selection for space missions.
  • Scientific merit, defined by the quality of research questions, is a key factor.

Conclusions:

  • The selection of species for the ISS should prioritize robust scientific inquiry.
  • Balancing diverse research needs with practical constraints is crucial for space biology.
  • Establishing shared principles can facilitate international collaboration in selecting space-borne research organisms.

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