Related Experiment Videos
Growing crops for space explorers on the moon, Mars, or in space
1Department of Plants, Soils, and Biometeorology, Utah State University, Logan, USA.
Advances in Space Biology and Medicine
|February 8, 2000
Summary
Controlled Environment Life Support Systems (CELSS) utilize plants for food and oxygen in space. Research shows challenges in microgravity but highlights potential for bioregenerative systems with advanced technology.
Area of Science:
- Space Exploration
- Bioregenerative Life Support Systems
- Astrobiology
Background:
- Long-duration space missions require advanced life support.
- Physicochemical systems are necessary but insufficient alone.
- Bioregenerative systems offer a sustainable solution for space habitats.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the concept and feasibility of Controlled Environment Life Support Systems (CELSS).
- To discuss the role of plants in providing food, oxygen, and water recycling.
- To analyze challenges and lessons learned from experimental CELSS facilities.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature and experimental data on CELSS.
- Analysis of plant growth experiments in space (e.g., Mir space station).
- Evaluation of ground-based experiments (e.g., Biosphere-2, Bios-3).
Main Results:
- Plants can produce biomass, oxygen, and purified water in controlled environments.
- Microgravity poses challenges for plant growth, but solutions like ethylene removal are promising.
- Experimental facilities like Bios-3 demonstrated relative stability and lessons for future designs.
Conclusions:
- CELSS are crucial for long-term space exploration, offering food and atmospheric regulation.
- Advanced technology and careful system design are essential for CELSS functionality.
- Further research is needed to overcome microgravity challenges and optimize system closure for space missions.