Coral reefs, vital marine ecosystems that support biodiversity and provide billions in economic value, are under unprecedented threat from climate change, pollution, and overfishing.
Objectives
The Corals in Space project aims to leverage the unique environment of spaceflight to investigate the adaptive potential of corals and uncover solutions for their conservation. By sending carefully selected coral samples to space, we aim to:
Identify beneficial mutations: Analyze the genomes and metagenomes of corals exposed to spaceflight to identify genetic changes that could enhance their resilience to environmental stressors.
Harness space-induced adaptations: Investigate whether these mutations can be applied to enhance the resilience of coral populations on Earth, contributing to the long-term survival of these vital ecosystems.
Explore biopharmaceutical potential: Investigate whether spaceflight influences the production of bioactive compounds in corals, which could hold promise for developing new drugs and treatments for human diseases.
01
Enhanced Coral Resilience
Improve coral adaptability through exposure to space conditions.
02
Novel Genetic Adaptations
Identify unique coral adaptations developed in space.
03
Bioactive Compound Discovery
Find new compounds produced by corals during spaceflight.
04
Scientific Knowledge Advanced
Expand insights into coral responses to extreme environments.
05
Public Awareness Increased
Engage the public with innovative coral conservation efforts.
06
Future Space Research Enabled
Pave the way for future marine research
in space.
