Genetic Terraforming

Genetics Terraforming (literally, “genetic-Earth-shaping”) of a planet, moon, or other body is the hypothetical process of deliberately modifying its biological and chemical make-up, in order to allow the planet to naturally initiate the creation of life.

Genetic Terraforming and the search for new worlds

Genetic Terraforming at HERA

Based on experiences with Earth, the environment of a planet can be altered deliberately; however, the feasibility of creating an unconstrained planetary biosphere that mimics Earth on another planet has yet to be verified. Mars is considered by many to be the most likely candidate for terraforming. Much study has been done concerning the possibility of heating the planet and altering its atmosphere, and NASA has even hosted debates on the subject. Several potential methods of altering the climate of Mars may fall within humanity’s technological capabilities, but at present the economic resources required to do so are far beyond that which any government or society is willing to allocate to the purpose. The long timescales and practicality of terraforming are the subject of debate. Other unanswered questions relate to the ethics, logistics, economics, politics, and methodology of altering the environment of an extraterrestrial world.

Once a planet or moon is deemed suitable for life the process of Genetics Terraforming can begin. The process involves the seeding of ribonucleic acids and other proteins into the planets primordial water supply. This seeding kickstarts the formation of more complex amino acids and eventually the creation of DNA, the building blocks of life as we know it.