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Physical Sciences and Mathematics
Virginia Commonwealth University
Conservation; endangered species; secure storage; deep freeze; lunar craters; biodiversity; genetic heritage
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Space-Based Genetic Cryoconservation Of Endangered Species, Michael Noah Mautner
Space-Based Genetic Cryoconservation Of Endangered Species, Michael Noah Mautner
Chemistry Publications
Genetic materials of endangered species must be maintained, for cryoconservation, permanently near liquid nitrogen temperatures below 77 K. Due to the instability of human institutions, permanent safety is best provided at storage sites that maintain passively the needed low temperatures, and provide barriers to access. The required conditions are available in permanently shaded polar lunar craters with equilibrium temperatures of 8 to 40 K, on the moons of Saturn, and unshielded storage satellites. A genetic depository can be incorporated readily into planned lunar programmes.