Planetary sustainability science and technology: Integrating Astro-soil, Astro-environmental engineering and Astro-habitat engineering for space exploration

Abstract

This paper explores the interdisciplinary field of Planetary Sustainability Science and Technology, integrating environmental science, engineering, and sustainability principles to ensure the long-term viability of human settlements in extraterrestrial environments. The study introduces a novel framework combining Astro-Environmental Engineering, Astro-Soil Science, and Astro-Habitat Engineering, with an emphasis on waste recycling, circular resource recovery. Through this cohesive method, the paper proposed innovative approaches to manage waste debris (as there are >35,750 debris objects with over 640 breaks ups and collision which have been recorded and with 900,000 debris objects larger than 1 cm) waste recycling, resource recovery, habitat sustainability, stressing the need for new educational curricula to prepare the next generation of engineers for space exploration and activities. Moreover, the ethical, technological and legal consideration necessary for sustainable human expansion into space have been addressed. Through a systematic literature, review based on PRISMA framework we retrieve 218 references and data from database such as Scopus, European Space Agency, NASA. Bibliometric analysis was performed using VOS-viewer software defining key themes and trends, generating keywords maps for network visualization using 235 keywords related with space debris and 213 keywords related with space trash indicated that engineering education is hyperconnected with space education, planetary science and space research as well as with circular economy principles. The paper proposed a new curriculum framework based on Bloom's taxonomy to defined learning objectives and outcomes considering modules such as plant physiology, mineral nutrition of plants, space waste as source of nutrients, material flow analysis, extraterrestrial environmental risk, debris collection systems, planetary geology and life support systems, artificial intelligence, human needs and ethics, extraterrestrial water and circular waste management. In addition, highlight and proposed innovative technologies such as advanced recycling systems and in situ resource utilization for water and fuel production as well as promote circular models and sustainable practices.