To support humans, future space habitats will require sustainable food sources, life support systems, and waste recycling. All of these operations rely on living organisms, but it will take more than just plants and a few animal species to get the job done. Only fully functional ecosystems can truly enable self-reliant life in the cosmos.
But of course, this is a feat easier mentioned than accomplished.
Ecosystems are much more complex than individual species. Bringing one into space means it must be ready to survive long periods of darkness, microgravity, and resource depletion. To work around this, humanity either needs an odds-defying ecosystem or one with an off switch.
Vernal pools fall into the latter category. These pools are a seasonal type of wetland that form in shallow dips in the terrain. During the spring months, these depressions fill with rainwater or snowmelt, spurring a new generation of life as the eggs of amphibians and shrimp begin to hatch. These pools are isolated from larger water sources, allowing these organisms to thrive, as fish and other natural predators are notably absent.
Upon summer’s onset, the water in vernal pools evaporates. This causes the adult population to die off; however, their resilient eggs are left behind. These dry-season eggs can resist drought, freezing, and resource depletion until they are reawakened during the following wet season.
This life cycle is perfectly adapted to space exploration. By transporting only a species’ eggs and algae spores, it becomes possible to travel with a dormant ecosystem and awaken it only upon reaching its final destination.
These abilities are what make vernal pools a possible answer for transporting life among the stars.