Plant-module for autonomous space support (P-MASS).

Area of Science:

• Space Biology
• Bioregenerative Life Support Systems
• Astrobiology

Background:

• Long-term space missions require sustainable life support.
• Current U.S. capabilities for space-based biological research are limited.
• The Commercial Experiment Transporter (COMET) offers a new platform for spaceflight research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility of supporting plants, algae, and bacteria in space.
• To assess the performance of the Payload for Microgravity Applications and Science (P-MASS) payload.
• To gather data for the development of bioregenerative life support systems.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing the P-MASS payload with mass, volume, and power constraints for a 30-day orbital mission.
• Conducting extensive ground tests and KCl35 tests on P-MASS subsystems and biological components.
• Comparing P-MASS performance and biological system viability against terrestrial controls using sensors and color video.

Main Results:

• P-MASS successfully met payload constraints for spaceflight evaluation.
• Ground and biological subsystem tests provided baseline data for comparison.
• The experiment is designed to yield data on hardware and biological system requirements for space.

Conclusions:

• The P-MASS payload offers a valuable, low-cost solution for spaceflight biological research.
• Findings will inform the design of future bioregenerative life support systems.
• Research will identify challenges for long-term biological support in space and enable plant research for commercial applications.