# The Space Experiment of the Exo-ecosystem

**Authors:** Zhu Liu, Duo Cui, Siyao Yang  
**arXiv:** [2307.15562](https://arxiv.org/abs/2307.15562)  
**Date:** 2023-07-28  
**Summary page:** https://www.summarizepaper.com/en/paper/2307.15562v1/

## Key points

- Experiment of exo-ecosystems and exploration of extraterrestrial habitability
- Investigate adaptation of terrestrial life in space conditions
- Scientific significance and public interest in understanding potential for life beyond Earth
- Archaea and extremophiles demonstrate ability to adapt to extreme environmental conditions
- Proposal for experiment on exo-ecosystems and extraterrestrial habitability
- Building ecosystem using archaea and extremophiles in simulated extraterrestrial environment
- Focus on assessing exobiological potential and adaptability of terrestrial life forms through controlled experiments
- Introduction of Chinese Exo-Ecosystem Space Experiment (CHEESE)
- Investigate survivability, growth, reproduction, and ecological interactions of methanogens under simulated Mars and Moon environments using China Space Station (CSS) as platform
- CSS provides unique yet comprehensive conditions for simulating extraterrestrial environments
- Pave the way for long-term human habitation in space through exo-ecosystem experiments
- Sustain colonies and settlements beyond Earth while minimizing ecological impact on celestial bodies
- Advancements in space life science research in China over recent years:
- Li et al. (2021) review highlights 40 years of progress in the field, emphasizing importance for future space exploration endeavors.
- Lin et al. (2022) discuss astrobiology at altitude in Earth's near space, shedding light on potential for microbial life beyond our planet.
- Maus et al. (2020) research on methanogenic archaea's ability to produce methane in Mars analog environments provides insights into potential for microbial life on Mars and implications for extraterrestrial habitability.
- Immense potential for advancing understanding of life beyond Earth through study of adaptability of terrestrial life forms in simulated extraterrestrial environments

## Summary

The experiment of exo-ecosystems and the exploration of extraterrestrial habitability aims to investigate the adaptation of terrestrial life in space conditions for the manned space program and future interstellar migration. This research holds great scientific significance and public interest as it seeks to understand the potential for life beyond Earth. Based on our knowledge of early life on Earth, archaea and extremophiles have demonstrated the ability to adapt to extreme environmental conditions and could potentially thrive in extraterrestrial environments. In order to further explore this possibility, we propose a design and framework for an experiment on exo-ecosystems and extraterrestrial habitability. The conceptual approach involves building an ecosystem using archaea and extremophiles in a simulated extraterrestrial environment. The focus is on assessing the exobiological potential and adaptability of terrestrial life forms under these conditions through controlled experiments. Specifically, we introduce the Chinese Exo-Ecosystem Space Experiment (CHEESE), which aims to investigate the survivability, sustained growth, reproduction, and ecological interactions of methanogens under simulated Mars and Moon environments using the China Space Station (CSS) as a platform. It is important to highlight that the CSS provides unique yet relatively comprehensive conditions for simulating extraterrestrial environments. By conducting space experiments involving exo-ecosystems, we can pave the way for long-term human habitation in space. This research will ensure our ability to sustain colonies and settlements beyond Earth while minimizing our ecological impact on celestial bodies. In recent years, there have been significant advancements in space life science research in China. A review published by Li et al. (2021) highlights 40 years of progress in this field, emphasizing its importance for future space exploration endeavors. Additionally, Lin et al. (2022) discuss astrobiology at altitude in Earth's near space, shedding light on the potential for microbial life beyond our planet. Furthermore, Maus et al. (2020) conducted research on methanogenic archaea and their ability to produce methane in Mars analog environments. This study provides valuable insights into the potential for microbial life on Mars and its implications for extraterrestrial habitability. Overall, the experiment of exo-ecosystems and the exploration of extraterrestrial habitability hold immense potential for advancing our understanding of life beyond Earth. By studying the adaptability of terrestrial life forms in simulated extraterrestrial environments, we can pave the way for future space colonization and minimize our ecological impact on celestial bodies.