Integrating resource utilization and bioregenerative life support systems for sustainable space exploration

Area of Science:

• Space exploration technologies
• Astrobiology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Human space presence necessitates reduced Earth resupply.
• In situ resource utilization (ISRU) and bioregenerative life support systems (BLSS) are crucial for sustainability.
• Current ISRU often relies on abiotic methods, with biotic approaches emerging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare abiotic, biotic, and coupled resource acquisition pathways for ISRU and BLSS.
• To analyze functional domains for human settlement, including external resource conversion and internal regeneration.
• To provide a resource-centric framework for evaluating space resource management.

Main Methods:

• Reviewing abiotic and biotic systems for ISRU and BLSS.
• Analyzing functional domains: O2, CO2, H2, CH4, H2O, materials, manufacturing, energy, food, air/water revitalization, waste recycling.
• Comparing resource acquisition pathways within a coupled ISRU-BLSS architecture.

Main Results:

• Abiotic ISRU examples include MOXIE, molten-regolith electrolysis, and advanced power systems.
• Biotic ISRU and BLSS examples include biomining, biopolymer production, plant growth, and microbial recycling.
• Coupled ISRU-BLSS architectures offer the most realistic path for sustainable settlements.

Conclusions:

• Integrating external resource acquisition (ISRU) with internal regenerative loops (BLSS) is vital.
• Coordinated material and energy flows between ISRU and BLSS are essential for long-term space habitation.
• Biotic and bio-hybrid systems can significantly enhance ISRU and BLSS capabilities.