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Two Planets, One Species: Does a Mission to Mars Alter the Balance in Favour of Human Enhancement?

Norman, Z; Reiss, M; (2020) Two Planets, One Species: Does a Mission to Mars Alter the Balance in Favour of Human Enhancement? In: Szocik, K, (ed.) Human Enhancements for Space Missions Lunar, Martian, and Future Missions to the Outer Planets. (pp. 151-167). Springer: Cham, Switzerland. Green open access

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Abstract

In this chapter we examine the implications of a crewed mission to Mars, possible colonisation of the planet, and the wider implications this may have on genetic enhancement in both a terrestrial and space context. We consider the usage of both somatic and germ-line genetic engineering, and its potential impact on the evolution of Homo sapiens. We acknowledge that a mission to Mars may require the usage of such technologies if it is to be successful. Our investigation suggests that the use of such technologies might ultimately be linked with the transformation of our own species. We also consider projected timescales for the development of these genetic enhancements and the ethical questions raised by the possibility of speciation. Cooperation among spacefaring nations in this context and the development of norms for the use of such technologies is desirable.

Type: Book chapter
Title: Two Planets, One Species: Does a Mission to Mars Alter the Balance in Favour of Human Enhancement?
ISBN: 3030420353
ISBN-13: 9783030420352
Open access status: An open access version is available from UCL Discovery
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-42036-9_11
Publisher version: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-42036-9_11
Additional information: This version is the author accepted manuscript. For information on re-use, please refer to the publisher's terms and conditions.
UCL classification: UCL
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Education
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Education > UCL Institute of Education
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Education > UCL Institute of Education > IOE - Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment
URI: https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10107590
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