Life support for aquatic species--past; present; future.

Area of Science:

• Space Biology and Ecology
• Environmental Science
• Engineering

Background:

• Life support systems are fundamental for manned space missions, supporting both humans and research animals.
• Aquatic species require specialized life support systems due to their unique environmental needs in space.
• Technological advancements have led to complex 'technosphere' life support systems for aquatic life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review historical and current life support systems for aquatic animals in space.
• To explore the evolution of these systems from simple to complex technological solutions.
• To identify future directions towards bioregenerative life support systems.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of life support systems for aquatic animals in space exploration.
• Analysis of technological advancements in aquatic life support hardware.
• Examination of ecophysiological research and bioregenerative life support system development.

Main Results:

• A progression from basic containment to sophisticated technospheres for aquatic life support has been observed.
• The development of life support systems for aquatic animals mirrors broader trends in space technology.
• Bioregenerative life support systems are emerging as critical for long-duration space missions.

Conclusions:

• Past life support systems for aquatic animals have evolved significantly, offering valuable insights.
• Future bioregenerative life support systems hold promise for extended space missions and Earth-based ecological understanding.
• Research into aquatic life support systems contributes to broader knowledge of closed ecosystems and Earth's biosphere.