Moon Ark: Scientists Propose Saving Earth’s Species With a Lunar Biorepository

Researchers propose a lunar biorepository to protect Earth’s endangered species by utilizing the Moon’s cold temperatures for long-term storage of biological samples. This initiative seeks to overcome Earth’s natural and political risks by fostering global collaboration and developing new technologies for space transport and sample preservation.

Faced with the threat of extinction for numerous species, an international team of researchers has suggested a groundbreaking solution to safeguard the planet’s biodiversity: a lunar biorepository. As outlined in a recent article in the journal BioScience, this plan involves establishing a passive, enduring storage facility on the moon for cryopreserved samples of Earth’s most endangered animal species.

Led by Dr. Mary Hagedorn of the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, the team envisions taking advantage of the Moon’s naturally cold temperatures, particularly in permanently shadowed regions near the poles, where temperatures remain consistently below –196 degrees Celsius. Such conditions are ideal for long-term storage of biological samples without the need for human intervention or power supplies, two factors that could threaten the resilience of Earth-based repositories. Other key advantages of a lunar facility include protection from Earth-based natural disasters, climate change, and geopolitical conflicts.