A global consortium of scientists has proposed establishing a Moon-based biorepository—a secure storage facility for DNA and cells—intended to safeguard endangered terrestrial species. The initiative argues that preserving samples of the planet’s most vulnerable plants and animals could provide a vital lifeline in the face of natural disasters, climate shifts, and human-made upheavals. The concept was outlined in a peer-reviewed issue of Bioscience.
The proposed lunar vault would sit beyond Earthly disturbances and the volatility of weather, war, and political crises. Proponents contend that the Moon’s near-perfectly cold conditions could keep samples frozen for extended periods without continuous energy input, creating a passive, long-term archive that remains accessible for future recovery efforts.
Researchers envision placing the biorepository in deep, shadowed craters near the lunar polar regions where sunlight is scarce and temperatures stabilize at profoundly low levels, around minus two hundred Celsius. In such craters, the combination of perpetual shade and the Moon’s lack of atmosphere would help suppress temperature fluctuations, offering a stable environment for preserving delicate genetic material for generations.
According to the team’s assessments, preserved specimens could one day contribute to rebuilding populations of critically endangered species or, in cases of extinction, serve as a foundation for cloning or de-extinction initiatives. While these possibilities are still theoretical, the plan emphasizes the potential to maintain genetic diversity for future restoration efforts rather than relying solely on terrestrial conservation measures.
Even though the project would demand substantial funding and coordination across international boundaries, the authors argue that advances in space technology and lunar exploration could gradually lower entry barriers. As space transportation becomes more routine and capable, the idea of a secure, off-Earth DNA repository transitions from speculation to a feasible objective, the researchers suggest, though practical hurdles remain—legal, ethical, and logistical among them.
Earlier studies have identified traces of water and organic signatures in lunar soil samples, underscoring the Moon’s intriguing potential as a unique, pristine storage environment. These findings, while not directly tied to biorepositories, provide a scientific foundation for understanding how extraterrestrial contexts might be leveraged to preserve delicate biological material over long timescales. The ongoing work continues to explore how lunar conditions could be harnessed to extend the longevity and integrity of genetic archives, with careful consideration given to biosafety and planetary protection standards.