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Performance of a simple Closed Aquatic Ecosystem (CAES) in space
1Institute of Hydrobiology, The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, PR China. space@ihb.ac.cn
Advances in Space Research : the Official Journal of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR)
|May 11, 2005
Summary
Microgravity significantly impacted Closed Aquatic Ecosystems (CAES), affecting algae and snail metabolism. This research provides valuable data for future complex Controlled Ecological Life Support Systems (CELSS).
Area of Science:
- Space biology
- Ecosystem engineering
- Life support systems
Background:
- Closed Aquatic Ecosystems (CAES) are crucial for long-duration space missions.
- Understanding microgravity's effects on CAES is vital for developing sustainable life support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of microgravity on a CAES.
- To compare microgravity effects with varying gravitational conditions.
Main Methods:
- A CAES with algae (Chlorella pyrenoidosa) and snails (Bulinus australianus) was flown on SHENZHOU-II.
- Concurrent experiments included space 1g centrifuge, ground 1g, and ground 1.4g centrifuge groups.
- Real-time data on algae biomass, temperature, and light were logged.
Main Results:
- Algae biomass fluctuated in microgravity and 1.4g groups.
- Biomass increased in the space 1g and ground 1g reference groups.
- Microgravity was identified as the primary factor affecting CAES operation.
Conclusions:
- Microgravity and 1.4g gravity influence algae and snail metabolism.
- Microgravity is the main factor affecting CAES operation in space.
- Findings contribute to the design of future Controlled Ecological Life Support Systems (CELSS).