Microalgae Cultivation in Space for Future Exploration Missions: Results of the Breadboard Activities for a Long Term Photobioreactor Spaceflight Experiment on the International Space Station ISS
- Paper number
IAC-17,A1,7,6,x37911
- Author
Dr. Stefan Belz, University of Stuttgart, Germany
- Coauthor
Mr. Harald Helisch, University of Stuttgart, Germany
- Coauthor
Mr. Jochen Keppler, University of Stuttgart, Germany
- Coauthor
Dr. Gisela Detrell, Institute of Space Systems, University of Stuttgart, Germany
- Coauthor
Mr. Norbert Henn, Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V. (DLR), Germany
- Coauthor
Dr. Reinhold Ewald, European Space Agency (ESA), Germany
- Coauthor
Dr. Astrid Adrian, Germany
- Coauthor
Mr. Heinz Hartstein, Airbus DS, Germany
- Coauthor
Dr. Oliver Angerer, European Space Agency (ESA), The Netherlands
- Coauthor
Mr. Johannes Martin, Institute of Space Systems, University of Stuttgart, Germany
- Year
2017
- Abstract
To be launched in 2018 to the International Space Station (ISS), the spaceflight experiment PBR@LSR (Photobioreactor at the Life Support Rack) shall demonstrate the functionality of a hybrid life support system (a combination of physico-chemical and biological components) and particularly the stable long-term cultivation of microalgae under space conditions for up to half a year. The European Life Support Rack (LSR) will be accommodated in the US lab Destiny in 2018 and will concentrate carbon dioxide (CO2) from the cabin atmosphere and processes it into water and methane by a Sabatier reactor. After CO2 concentration, a dedicated interface allows for utilizing a surplus of highly concentrated CO2 for microalgae cultivation in the photobioreactor. To that purpose, the species Chlorella vulgaris has been selected, as it is a promising candidate among a multitude of microalgae species. It is rich in proteins and can cover up to 30\% of human diet. By photosynthesis, Chlorella vulgaris consumes CO2 and generates O2 in a continuous and regular way. In 2016-2017, two breadboards of the spaceflight experiment have been set up and are being utilized to gain knowledge of cultivation, technical components and operational aspects. Long-term cultivations from 1-6 months have been achieved with an algae medium volume of 650 ml of algae medium. In a defined period of approximately 14 days, grown algae biomass have been harvested and replaced by a fresh nutrient solution. Relevant cultivation parameters and budgets of the gas rates are presented. The paper concludes with an outlook on the last steps until flight readiness and an assessment for future application in advanced life support systems.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
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