Systematic approach to life support system analyses and integration

Area of Science:

• Space exploration and life support systems
• Ecological engineering and closed ecological systems

Background:

• Controlled Ecological Life Support Systems (CELSS) are crucial for long-duration space missions and terrestrial applications.
• Optimizing CELSS development requires balancing cost, efficiency, scientific value, and applicability.
• Existing approaches often lack a formalized framework for integrating these diverse requirements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a viewpoint on optimizing CELSS development and design.
• To establish a framework for managing CELSS research and development parameters.
• To align CELSS characteristics with specific application environments.

Main Methods:

• Review and synthesis of existing approaches to CELSS development.
• Identification and categorization of key optimization parameters (CELSS configuration, R&D management, application environment).
• Proposal of a formalized set of interacting criteria and research stages.

Main Results:

• Demonstration of the synergistic relationship between CELSS applicability and scientific significance.
• A structured approach to optimizing CELSS development through parameter management.
• Consideration of CELSS integration into space missions, terrestrial uses, and biosphere investigations.

Conclusions:

• A formalized framework is essential for efficient and effective CELSS development.
• Optimizing CELSS requires a holistic approach considering system design, research management, and application context.
• This work provides a foundation for advancing CELSS technology across various domains.