Photobioreactors in Life Support Systems.

Area of Science:

• Space exploration
• Biotechnology
• Life support systems

Background:

• Biological life support systems are crucial for long-term space missions, requiring water purification, atmosphere regeneration, food, and energy generation.
• Microalgae have been extensively studied for their role in these systems due to their photosynthetic capabilities.
• Previous concepts have explored various approaches, but specific challenges remain for space applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the potential of eukaryotic microalgae in space life support systems.
• To highlight design requirements for space photobioreactors, focusing on illumination and aeration.
• To introduce and evaluate a novel photobioreactor concept for extraterrestrial applications.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on microalgae for life support.
• Analysis of photobioreactor design considerations for microgravity, including LED illumination and membrane-based aeration.
• Parameterization and testing of a new photobioreactor prototype with Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.

Main Results:

• LED illumination, particularly dichromatic red/blue light, offers higher photoconversion efficiencies (PCE) compared to white light.
• Bubble-free aeration using membranes is suitable for microgravity conditions.
• A novel photobioreactor concept was successfully tested in parabolic flight campaigns.

Conclusions:

• Eukaryotic microalgae are viable candidates for future space life support systems.
• Optimized illumination and aeration strategies are key for efficient photobioreactor design in space.
• The developed photobioreactor demonstrates feasibility for space applications, validated through experimental testing.