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Approaches to resource recovery in Controlled Ecological Life Support Systems.
1NASA-Ames Research Center, Advanced Life Support Division, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA.
Advances in Space Research : the Official Journal of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR)
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Resource recovery from space habitat waste is key for self-sufficiency. This study explores physical, chemical, and biological methods to recycle waste, minimizing resupply needs for long-duration space missions.
Area of Science:
- Space exploration
- Environmental engineering
- Life support systems
Background:
- Space mission self-sufficiency requires minimizing resupply.
- Waste stream recycling is crucial for long-duration space habitats.
- Controlled Ecological Life Support Systems (CELSS) aim for maximum mass recycling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate resource recovery from space habitat waste streams.
- To assess physical, chemical, and biological recycling processes.
- To estimate the fundamental recovery potentials of waste components.
Main Methods:
- Discussion of candidate physical/chemical processes for waste treatment.
- Evaluation of biological processes for resource recovery.
- Estimation of fundamental recovery potentials from waste streams.
Main Results:
- Identified various physical/chemical and biological methods for waste recycling.
- Estimated the theoretical recovery potential of different waste components.
- Highlighted the importance of recycling largest mass components first.
Conclusions:
- Resource recovery from waste is vital for space habitat self-sufficiency.
- CELSS technologies are essential for minimizing resupply burdens.
- Further research into specific recycling processes is warranted.