Applications of Human Biostasis in Crewed Space Exploration
Applications of Human Biostasis for Crewed Space Exploration is a presentation by Josh Universe, the Founder of the International Biohacking Community and Transhumanist Council, a science communicator, and a scientist-astronaut candidate. Josh is currently a student of Astronomy & Astrophysics at the Florida Institute of Technology and brings a multidisciplinary perspective to the intersection of human preservation and space exploration.
The presentation begins by tracing the history of cryonics, starting from Jean Rostand's pioneering cryobiology work in the 1940s. It highlights Robert Ettinger's publication of The Prospect of Immortality in the early 1960s, which introduced the concept of human cryopreservation to the public. The first cryopreservation of a human, Dr. James Bedford, occurred in 1967, followed by the founding of major cryonics organizations like Alcor and the Cryonics Institute in the 1970s. Modern advancements, such as the adoption of vitrification in 2005 and international expansion through organizations like KrioRus, have shaped today's cryonics landscape. The presentation also references emerging projects like CryoDAO's CRYORAT, which explores sub-zero preservation research using decentralized funding models.
Following this, Josh outlines the history of space exploration, starting with the launch of Sputnik 1 by the USSR in 1957 and Yuri Gagarin's historic spaceflight in 1961. Key milestones such as the Apollo 11 Moon landing, the construction of the ISS, and the development of modular space stations like Mir are covered, alongside contemporary efforts like NASA's Artemis program and commercial crew transport initiatives led by SpaceX. These achievements provide critical context for the future challenges humanity will face as it pushes further into space.
The presentation then addresses the question, "Why Cryonics in Space?" Cryonics significantly reduces metabolic demands, lowering astronauts' food, water, and life support requirements. This reduction allows for smaller habitat designs, lighter spacecraft, and decreased fuel needs, ultimately reducing mission costs. Moreover, by slowing metabolism, cryonics could protect astronauts from radiation, aging-related degeneration, and the psychological burdens associated with isolation and long-term confinement during interplanetary and interstellar missions.
In exploring cryonics applications in space, Josh compares different metabolic suppression strategies: therapeutic hypothermia (torpor) and full cryonics. He outlines how torpor is actively being researched by NASA and ESA for Mars missions and how naturally occurring animal hibernation informs this research. Meanwhile, cryonics could become critical for more extended missions, such as journeys to Proxima Centauri b. Designs for biostasis habitats include cryopods (dewars), AI-driven health monitoring, automated maintenance systems, and robotics capable of handling environmental management during crew biostasis.
The presentation also discusses the technological readiness of biostasis approaches. While no human-focused biostasis technology has yet achieved NASA's TRL 5 or higher, promising developments exist. Preservation techniques in cryonics are approaching TRL 6, but revival technologies remain at TRL 3, with successful proof-of-concept work on embryos and small organs. NASA's STASH program and ESA's hibernation research mark essential steps forward in torpor research, indicating growing institutional support for these technologies.
Finally, Josh presents future visions where biostasis systems are integrated into spacecraft for long-duration missions. In this vision, astronauts would enter controlled biostasis states monitored by AI and robotics, allowing missions beyond Mars to become feasible. Crews could be revived based on mission phases or emergencies, ensuring minimal biological degradation and psychological risks.
