In an ambitious leap for humanity’s future in outer space, Netherlands-based startup SpaceBorn United is unveiling its groundbreaking miniaturized in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo incubator designed to operate in the extraterrestrial realm. The move addresses what CEO Egbert Edelbroek calls “the reproduction challenge,” a critical step in achieving long-term human settlements on celestial bodies like Mars.
“The question is not just can humans live in space, but can they thrive and multiply? For colonies on Mars or elsewhere to truly become self-sufficient, solving the problem of human reproduction is paramount,” Edelbroek stated in an exclusive interview with the BBC.
The startup’s revolutionary approach eliminates the risks associated with natural conception in space, a procedure deemed “ethically and medically not a good idea” by Edelbroek. Studies indicate that conceiving in space could expose pregnancies to severe risks, from the harmful effects of space radiation to developmental issues due to weightlessness.
SpaceBorn United has developed a compact, CD-ROM-sized prototype employing microfluidic technologies to miniaturize the complex IVF apparatus. This spinning disk mimics Earth-like gravity conditions and can be programmed to oversee the entire conception process.
While initially focusing on whether partial gravity on Mars could support human embryo development, the company has broadened its goals. “The insights we’ll gain from conducting IVF in various gravity levels can be translated to improve IVF success rates back on Earth,” Edelbroek told the BBC.
However, the venture faces immense hurdles, both technological and regulatory. Human embryo testing is fraught with ethical complications, and current international guidelines restrict human embryo culturing to 14 days. Therefore, SpaceBorn United’s initial foray into space—planned under their ARTIS (assisted reproductive technology in space) missions over the next five years—will involve testing with mouse cells.
The stakes are high. Successfully developing a living being in an artificial womb on Earth has been an uphill battle. Add the challenges of a hostile, microgravity environment, and the endeavor becomes exponentially more daunting.
Nevertheless, the startup has already undertaken preliminary tests, dropping a capsule from a height of 12.4 miles to study potential radiation effects on future samples.
Ultimately, the company plans to send human reproductive cells into space for fertilization and development under artificial gravity conditions. “If embryos are approved for implantation back in natural wombs, the subsequent pregnancy and birth will occur on Earth,” reads the company’s website.
The initiative reignites the conversation about humanity’s long-term survival in space. “Investing billions in space tourism and settlements without considering human reproduction is a futile exercise,” Edelbroek warns.
As private enterprises and billionaires pour money into space travel, SpaceBorn United’s work highlights a vital, often overlooked, facet of humanity’s cosmic journey: reproduction. It’s a contentious and audacious undertaking, but one that could dictate the success of our species far from our home planet.
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