The stars are waiting: Researchers determine frozen sperm can remain viable in space for 200 years

Scientists successfully produced healthy baby mice from freeze-dried sperm that had been stored in space. When the samples returned to Earth, researchers rehydrated the freeze-dried mouse sperm and produced healthy offspring.

The research was led by Professor Teruhiko Wakayama of the University of Yamanashi's Center for Advanced Biotechnology. Wakayama and his team pioneered a lyophilization method to send mouse sperm to the International Space Station (ISS), where it was stored in a freezer for up to six years.

The researchers determined that lyophilized sperm could remain viable for 200 years in space, which is a critical puzzle piece for sustaining human populations beyond Earth. "Our goal is to create a system for the safe and permanent preservation of Earth's genetic resources somewhere in space—either on the Moon or elsewhere—so that life can be revived even if Earth faces a total catastrophe," Wakayama stated.

Scientists are exploring the possibilities of human reproduction in space to prepare for future interplanetary colonization, as understanding reproduction in space is essential as humanity ventures into the cosmos, according to The Economic Times.

While previous studies have shown that certain species can reproduce in space, mammals present unique challenges. In 1989, 32 fertilized chicken eggs were sent into orbit to study how they would develop without gravity in an experiment funded by the American fast-food chain KFC, nicknamed "Chix in Space."

Professor Virginia Wotring of the International Space University highlighted the progression of such studies, noting that moving to mammals is a logical next step in space reproduction research. "We have seen that most of the specific phases of the reproductive cycle can occur in space, at least in one or two species, not always with absolute success," Wotring stated, according to SKAI.

However, space poses numerous challenges to reproduction, especially for mammals. Radiation exposure can damage DNA in sperm and eggs, potentially causing genetic abnormalities that could be transmitted to the next generation, according to The Economic Times. The absence of gravity could hinder proper embryonic development, affecting processes like limb formation and nervous system growth.

Wakayama hopes his experiments will help shed light on whether humans can reproduce and develop normally in the harsh environment of space. "If we can confirm this, it will reassure us. And if it doesn't succeed, we need to understand how to address this challenge," he said.

With advancements in space missions like NASA's Artemis program and SpaceX's Mars ambitions, understanding reproduction in space could become critical for sustaining life beyond Earth. As space agencies and private companies advance plans for human habitation on the Moon and Mars, reproduction research remains a critical puzzle piece, according to The Economic Times.

The research led by Wakayama is not only focused on reproduction but also aims to safeguard Earth's genetic diversity against potential catastrophes. "Ultimately, the experiments could help save humanity," Wakayama stated.

In 1997, Wakayama and another academic developed a method they used to clone the first mouse in the world from adult cells. He has been trying to find new reproductive pathways for decades, pushing the boundaries with his reproductive studies.

"In science fiction movies, people live on other planets and babies are born, but we don't even know if that's possible yet," Wakayama said.

With the latest space samples, Wakayama is using a new device to protect sperm stored at room temperature from radiation and to see if it is possible to store samples in space indefinitely.

The article was written with the assistance of a news analysis system.