The "C.E.B.A.S. MINI-MODULE": a self-sustaining closed aquatic ecosystem for spaceflight experimentation.

Area of Science:

• Space Biology
• Ecosystem Engineering
• Life Support Systems

Background:

• The miniaturized Closed Equilibrated Biological Aquatic System (C.E.B.A.S.) MINI-MODULE is a space-flight version of the C.E.B.A.S.
• Designed to fit a middeck locker, it integrates animal tanks, a plant cultivator, and a bacteria filter for biological life support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the biological stability and technical reliability of the C.E.B.A.S. MINI-MODULE for space missions.
• To demonstrate the system's capacity for self-sustaining aquatic life support.

Main Methods:

• The C.E.B.A.S. MINI-MODULE utilizes aquatic plants (Ceratophyllum demersum) to assimilate CO2 and produce oxygen.
• A biological filter converts waste products (ammonia) into nitrates, which are utilized by plants.
• System illumination is regulated by oxygen concentration via a control unit.

Main Results:

• Ground laboratory tests demonstrated biological stability for up to three months.
• The system showed a high buffer capacity, capable of processing degradation products from significant animal biomass loss.
• Flight hardware tests confirmed biological stability and technical reliability under mission-identical conditions.

Conclusions:

• The C.E.B.A.S. MINI-MODULE is a biologically stable and technically reliable system for spaceflight.
• It successfully integrates biological life support functions, including waste recycling and oxygen regeneration.
• A comprehensive research program involving multiple international institutions is established for further study.