Biologically-Based and Physiochemical Life Support and In Situ Resource Utilization for Exploration of the Solar...

Area of Science:

• Astrobiology
• Biotechnology
• Space Exploration

Background:

• Long-duration spaceflight missions require self-sufficient life support systems beyond Earth's orbit.
• In situ resource utilization (ISRU) is crucial for sustainability in low-resource environments.
• Cyanobacteria are a promising biological solution for life support and resource production.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current literature on cyanobacteria for space applications.
• To propose a vision for cyanobacteria-based bio-regenerative life support systems.
• To explore ISRU applications for Moon and Mars missions.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of cyanobacteria's nutritional and environmental survival capabilities.
• Conceptualization of a three-stage reactor system for ISRU.
• Discussion of system implementation during flight and containment.

Main Results:

• Cyanobacteria possess significant nutritional benefits and resilience in extreme environments.
• Cyanobacterial methane production shows promise for return fuel.
• A three-stage reactor system is proposed for regolith processing, life support, and biofuel generation.

Conclusions:

• Cyanobacteria-based systems are viable for bio-regenerative life support in space.
• ISRU with cyanobacteria can support long-duration missions to the Moon and Mars.
• Further development in cyanobacterial fuel production is essential for future space exploration.