Bioregenerative life-support systems

Mitchell, C. A.

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NASA NTRS · 20050000290

Bioregenerative life-support systems

Mitchell, C. A.

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Abstract

Long-duration future habitation of space involving great distances from Earth and/or large crew sizes (eg, lunar outpost, Mars base) will require a controlled ecological life-support system (CELSS) to simultaneously revitalize atmosphere (liberate oxygen and fix carbon dioxide), purify water (via transpiration), and generate human food (for a vegetarian diet). Photosynthetic higher plants and algae will provide the essential functions of biomass productivity in a CELSS, and a combination of physicochemical and bioregenerative processes will be used to regenerate renewable resources from waste materials. Crop selection criteria for a CELSS include nutritional use characteristics as well as horticultural characteristics. Cereals, legumes, and oilseed crops are used to provide the major macronutrients for the CELSS diet. A National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Specialized Center of Research and Training (NSCORT) was established at Purdue University to establish proof of the concept of the sustainability of a CELSS. The Biosphere 2 project in Arizona is providing a model for predicted and unpredicted situations that arise as a result of closure in a complex natural ecosystem.

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NASA Discipline Life Support Systems Non-NASA Center Ecological Systems, Closed Space Flight Human Vegetables Time Factors Fruit

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Mitchell, C. A.. 1994-11-01. Bioregenerative life-support systems. https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20050000290

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