Space synthetic biology: A paradigm for sustainability on earth and beyond

National space agencies and private entities aim to establish outposts on the Moon and Mars before the second half of the century. This goal requires new technology paradigms that must be readied now for implementation in mission architecture. Here we present the case that synthetic biology is one such enabling technology that will work in synergy with a growing bioeconomy to solve a broad array of challenges facing humans on- and off-Earth, as they establish a foothold on the Moon in the post-Artemis years and continue to the exploration and eventual habitation of Mars. We propose a phased integration of synthetic biology into Space missions over time and identify critical dual-use breakthroughs that will expand the impact of synthetic biology on both Space missions and the Terrestrial bioeconomy. Finally, we highlight actions by national space agencies and the private sector that will be critical in the coming years to harness the potential of synthetic biology for establishing a sustainable human presence off-Earth.