Scientists Propose Lunar Vault to Preserve Earth's Biodiversity

Researchers aim to cryopreserve animal cells on the moon to safeguard species from extinction threats on Earth.

The proposed lunar biorepository would utilize the moon's naturally cold regions for cryopreservation.
The initiative targets the cryopreservation of endangered and significant species.
Technical challenges include packaging, radiation protection, and resource competition on the lunar surface.
The project is inspired by the Svalbard Global Seed Vault but aims to offer greater security against geopolitical and natural disasters.
Initial tests involve cryopreserving fibroblast cells from species like the starry goby.