Metabolic support for a lunar base

Abstract

A review of the metabolic support systems used and the metabolic support requirements provided on past and current spaceflight programs is presented. This review will provide familiarization with unique constraints of space flight and technology as it relates to inflight metabolic support of astronauts. This information, along with a general review of the NASA effort to develop a Controlled Ecological Life Support System (CELSS) will define the general scenario of metabolic support for a lunar base. A phased program of metabolic support for a lunar base will be elucidated. Included will be discussion of the CELSS water reclamation and food recycling technology as it now exists and how it could be expected to be progressively incorporated into the lunar base. This transition would be from a relatively open system in the initial development period, when mechanical phase change water reclamation and minimal plant growth are incorporated, to the final period when practically total closure of the life support system will be proved through physicochemical and biological processes. Finally, a review of the estimated metabolic intake requirements for the occupants of a lunar base will be presented.