Combination of Physico-Chemical Life Support Systems with Space Greenhouse Modules: A System Analysis

Kurzfassung

The cultivation of higher plants occupies an essential role within bio-regenerative life support systems. It con-tributes to all major functional aspects by closing the different loops in a habitat like food production, CO2 reduction, O2 production, waste recycling and water management. Fresh crops are also expected to have a positive impact towards the crew’s psychological health. Nevertheless, plant cultivation in closed environ-ments is challenging and further research on system, subsystem and crop level is required. The controlling and maintaining of closed environment agriculture systems such as space greenhouse modules is difficult due to lack of buffer capacity, low flexibility concerning varying crew size and eclipse periods, and the absence of backup systems in case of plant and system failures. The addition of physico-chemical (P/C) life support sys-tems (LSS) as an intermediate system between the greenhouse module and the habitat/spacecraft has the po-tential to reduce or even eliminate the mentioned difficulties of greenhouse modules. This paper will investi-gate the potential of combining components of physico-chemical systems with greenhouse modules to increase the readiness of the latter. This would allow the creation of a more efficient life support systems by taking advantage of the experience gained in physico-chemical technologies and the related reliability and heritage of these technologies.