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Microbial and higher plant biomass selection for closed ecological systems
1European Space Research and Technology Centre, European Space Agency, Noordwijk, The Netherlands.
Acta Astronautica
|July 1, 1992
Summary
Researchers selected plants and microbes to transform waste into food for future space missions. This research advances sustainable food regeneration strategies for extraterrestrial exploration.
Area of Science:
- Astrobiology
- Biotechnology
- Sustainable Systems
Background:
- Space exploration necessitates self-sufficient life support systems.
- Resource regeneration is critical for long-duration extraterrestrial missions.
- Current food production methods in space are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and justify the selection of higher plants and microbial strains.
- To establish a framework for food regeneration from waste.
- To support future space and planetary missions.
Main Methods:
- Selection of diverse plant species with high nutritional value and growth efficiency.
- Identification of microbial consortia capable of waste decomposition and nutrient cycling.
- Assessment of synergistic interactions between selected plants and microbes.
Main Results:
- A curated list of candidate plant species suitable for controlled environments.
- A portfolio of microbial strains with demonstrated waste-processing capabilities.
- Preliminary data on the integration of plant-microbial systems for resource recovery.
Conclusions:
- The selected higher plants and microbial strains provide a viable foundation for in-situ food regeneration.
- This approach offers a pathway to reduce resupply mass and enhance mission sustainability.
- Further research will focus on system integration and optimization for spaceflight conditions.