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Biological life support for manned missions by ESA
R A Binot1, C Tamponnet, C h Lasseur
1Life Support and Habitability Section, European Space Agency, ESTEC, Noordwijk, The Netherlands.
Advances in Space Research : the Official Journal of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR)
|November 1, 1994
Summary
ESA is exploring biological life support systems for space missions, focusing on air, water, and waste management. These systems offer ecological advantages and potential for food production, with specific technologies like the Biological Air Filter undergoing testing.
Area of Science:
- Space exploration technologies
- Biotechnology
- Environmental engineering
Background:
- European Space Agency (ESA) missions require advanced life support systems.
- Physico-chemical systems have limitations for long-duration spaceflight.
- Biological life support offers a more sustainable and ecological approach.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the anticipated evolution of life support technologies for ESA.
- To select promising biological life support technologies for manned space missions.
- To evaluate technologies for atmosphere, water, and waste management, and food production.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of complementary life support system requirements and mission characteristics.
- Selection of biological technologies based on performance and ecological potential.
- Review of terrestrial and space testing plans for selected technologies.
Main Results:
- Biological life support technologies show promise for specific tasks (atmosphere, water, waste management).
- These systems offer a path towards a Closed Ecological System (CES) with food production.
- Specific technologies like the Biological Air Filter (BAF) and MELISSA microbial ecosystem are highlighted.
Conclusions:
- Biological life support systems are key for future ESA manned missions.
- Task-specific decontamination and waste reprocessing are critical areas of development.
- Further testing is planned to validate these technologies for space application.