Our species has already gone through several bottlenecks.

In fact, there is a book called the Seven Daughters of Eve which describes just such a bottleneck. It evidenced DNA evidence that we all have mitochondrial DNA (if memory serves) from 7 sources. 7 women.

So not only is it possible, there’s evidence that it’s happened. Stevenson may have based his story on this science work.

Of course, what’s possible nestled more safely here on the planet is not necessarily achievable outside the planet, which may have been what you meant.

This Heritage study is interesting, but rather meaningless. Lots of holes can be poked into it.

For example, live birth may not be possible in space long-term. Any expedition may have to utilize some form of test tube babies and fertility. Technology we more or less already have. In which case, breeding pairs becomes irrelevant because you will send an abundance of embryos and genetic material not only to make the journey, but to establish a colony.

The problem is really one of preservation. How to make the sure the embryos are still viable after 6k years.

Once again, maybe we don’t have to. Been seeing any interesting genetic research coming out of China recently? Stuff involving turning somatic cells into gametes?