Microalgae cultivation for space exploration: Assessing the potential for a new generation of waste to human life-support system for long duration space travel and planetary human habitation

One of the challenges long duration NASA missions, such as human transportation and habitation moon and/or Mars, is limited life-support resources that can be taken onboard. These missions would benefit from processes or systems provide sustainable close-loop, functions O 2 regeneration CO , supplemental food provision, water remediation. In cases planetary/moon habitation, utilize local (i.e., in Mars' atmosphere) could dramatically increase mission success. Processes these nature profoundly reshape space systems' design configurations, improve flexibility, a higher degree astronaut on-site independence, pave way to novel routes producing materials space. this work, potential integrating microalgal system into existing within International Space Station (ISS) was assessed. Two well-studied species ( Chlorella vulgaris Arthrospira platensis ) were considered for both suspended attached-growth cultivation. The assessment suggested cultivation A. using urine flush ISS significant amounts reclaimed supplement (biomass) least reactor (wet) volume. However, sustainability will necessitate continuous supplements N P external sources other waste streams ISS. This work highlights limitations microalgae integration capability produce (biomass), which critical manned missions. • Microalgae component system. sufficient For applications, nutrient source P) limitation. Cultivation mode affects size - in-flight applications.