How many people are required for a healthy re-population of the Earth (Post-Apocalypse)?

In my particular Earth, much has remained after the human-killing virus, and nature is thriving - even taking over the cities. It's beautiful. But I have separated the healthy populace in orbit until it was safe to return.

In a near-future scenario, where I have rescued only a few non-related people from Portland, Oregon (not-relevant, but I thought someone might ask), they're ready to return to Earth after 3 years or so in space.

Setting aside their trials upon return, etc., how many random people should I preserve in space when humanity is almost wiped out, for relatively clean genetics? Is there even such a thing?

I realize this is purely speculative, but I'd like the fewest possible people and would welcome some scientific reasoning so that I don't end up with genetically distressed children / population.

EDIT, as requested: Infrastructure, technology forests, roads & bridges, etc., are all only about 3 years old without people. There are many machines and materials; this question is purely for genetics-sake.

posted over 9 years ago

Mikey‭

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