Ectogenesis beyond earth: Engineering and ethics of human embryo incubation in space
- Aeronautics and Aerospace Open Access Journal
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A Mardon,<sup>1</sup> K Pham,<sup>1</sup> J Patel,<sup>1</sup> P Johnson,<sup>1</sup> JC Johnson,<sup>1</sup> JL Leong-sit,<sup>1</sup> E Hodgson,<sup>1</sup> C Mardon,<sup>1</sup> Y Khalid,<sup>1</sup> J Banks,<sup>1 </sup>S Zaman,<sup>2</sup> Z Hassan,<sup>2</sup> J Harline,<sup>3</sup> H Chaudhry,<sup>4</sup> A Matthew,<sup>5</sup> P Rahimpoor-Marnani<sup>6</sup>
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Abstract
As humanity moves towards sustained off-Earth habitation, reproductive continuity becomes vital. This article investigates the feasibility of incubating human embryos in artificial wombs entirely within space environments. We aim to analyze the current state of extrauterine systems, the biological impacts of microgravity and cosmic radiation, propose an engineering roadmap for a space-based artificial womb, and discuss emerging bioethical and legal considerations.
Keywords
space environments, ectogenesis, microgravity, space embryo
