Analysis of an algae-based CELSS. Part 2: options and weight analysis.
Life support components are evaluated for application to an idealized closed life support system which includes an algal reactor for food production. Weight-based trade studies are reported as "break-even" time for replacing food stores with a regenerative bioreactor. It is concluded that closure of the life support gases (oxygen recovery) depends on the carbon dioxide reduction chemistry and that an algae-based food production can provide an attractive alternative to re-supply for longer duration missions.
Holtzapple
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Texas A&M University, College Station 77843-3118, USA.
Little
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Moses
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Patterson
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D000641:Ammonia / Q000138:chemical synthesis; D019149:Bioreactors; D002241:Carbohydrates / Q000737:chemistry; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000737:chemistry*; D018504:Ecological Systems, Closed; D004867:Equipment Design; D056890:Eukaryota / Q000378:metabolism; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D008021:Life Support Systems / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008956:Models, Chemical; D009584:Nitrogen / Q000737:chemistry; D013026:Space Flight / Q000295:instrumentation*; D018505:Waste Management / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D014867:Water / Q000737:chemistry
D002241:Carbohydrates; D014867:Water; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D000641:Ammonia; D009584:Nitrogen