Nostram Familiam Illuminans Viam -- "Our Family Lights the Way”

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ASRI’s Paniscus Mission Series will be conducted as the second of three major research phases on mammalian reproduction in space.  The Paniscus experiments will examine each stage of mammalian gestation in Low Earth Orbit spaceflight for ape subjects, within reproductive safety parameters established by findings from the preceding Cosmouse mission series. Pan Paniscus, or bonobo chimps, are the closest known Great Ape relatives to the human species (Homo sapiens), with 98.7% DNA similarity. Bonobos are highly intelligent and social apes, known for their cooperative group dynamics and friendly demeanor.  Bonobos also regularly engage in sexual activity as a social bonding mechanism, making them well-suited candidates for SHARP’s second major research phase on mammalian reproduction in space.

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The Paniscus experiments will culminate with the deployment of APEHAB, an orbital research lab module housing a small group of bonobos, which will allow scientists to observe the impacts of long-term spaceflight conditions to the reproductive health of our most closely-matched genetic relatives.  These experiments will serve as critical validation steps in firmly establishing safety and viability parameters for human reproduction in space environments in the future.

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Projected Missions:

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Paniscus - 1  (2035)

Paniscus - 2  (2036)

Paniscus - 3  (2037)

Paniscus - 4  (2038)

Paniscus - 5  (2039)

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APEHAB  (2040)

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