BioMoon: a concept for a mission to advance space life sciences and astrobiology on the Moon

As humans advance their presence in space and seek to improve the quality of life on Earth, a variety of science questions in support of these two objectives can be answered using the Moon. In this paper, we present a concept for an integrated mission focused on answering fundamental and applied biological questions on the Moon: BioMoon. The mission was designed to investigate the effects of the lunar radiation, gravity, and regolith on biological systems ranging from biomolecules to systems with complex trophic interactions, spanning a range of model organisms. Using common analytical systems and data processing, BioMoon represents a systems-level integrated life sciences mission. It would provide fundamental insights into biological responses to the lunar environment, as well as applied knowledge for In-Situ Resource Utilisation (ISRU), closed-loop life support system development, planetary protection and human health care. The mission was conceived to test biotechnology and sensor technology for lunar and terrestrial application and provide education and outreach opportunities. Although BioMoon was considered in the context of the European Space Agency’s Argonaut (European Large Logistics Lander) concept, the mission design provides a template for any integrated life sciences experimental suite on the Moon and other celestial bodies, implemented either robotically or by human explorers.