A biological nutrient cycle for a partially self-sufficient colony
- Paper number
IAC-18,D3,2,4,x42651
- Author
Mr. Benjamin Lehner, The Netherlands, TU Delft
- Coauthor
Mr. Rik Volger, The Netherlands, TU Delft
- Coauthor
Dr. Stan Brouns, The Netherlands, TU Delft
- Coauthor
Dr. Aidan Cowley, Germany, ESA
- Coauthor
Prof. Lynn Rothschild, United States, NASA Ames Research Center
- Coauthor
Dr. Anne Meyer, The Netherlands, TU Delft
- Year
2018
- Abstract
All biological systems, including bioreactors, humans, plants, algae, require a basic amount of nutrients primarily based on carbon and nitrogen in the form of sugars and amino acids. To establish an autarkic colony on another celestial body, a critical mass of these nutrients will have to be supplied, and good recycling systems must be installed to reuse them. This manuscript presents calculations and models evaluating different recycling, resupplying, and consumption methods in a bio-based colony. It will explain why a human presence in outer space will have to focus more on biological systems to be sustainable and earth-independent. A short review will discuss the impact of current technologies such as life-support systems, in situ resource utilization, energy storage and additive manufacturing. Heuristics and experimental data are used to minimize the amount of cargo needed and optimize the efficiency of such a bio-based colony. Finally, this work reveals how mechanochemical and biological solutions in conjunction might pave the way for future human exploration.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-18,D3,2,4,x42651.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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