低地球轨道以外的太空探索需要建立生物再生生命支持系统(BLSS),which,通过初级资源回收的生物过程,确保船员生存。然而,必须事先仔细评估在密闭空间生境中引入新生物的情况,以避免可能危及任务的意外事件。在这项工作中,我们设计并建造了一个试验室,命名为生长/饲养模块(GRM),完全隔离和配备微环境监测和控制系统。该单元专门用于研究单个生物过程,它可以组成设计功能BLSS。GRM可以通过特定的设备来实施,用于研究中的生物系统和控制环境参数,例如温度,湿度,湿度照明,如果需要,气体成分的压力。GRM在两种微绿培养的实验中都得到了验证,作为宇航员的新鲜食物来源,并饲养分解昆虫Hermetiaillucens以进行有机废物的生物转化。在每个生物过程的研究中,记录了环境和生物数据,允许对系统效率进行初步评估。GRM,作为一个完全封闭的环境,表示第一个自洽单元,允许微调最佳参数以实现不同生物过程的可操作性。此外,根据任务需要的可升级性和不同装备的模块的功能集成性是GRM多功能性的关键,代表BLSS设计的宝贵工具。
Space exploration beyond the Low Earth Orbit requires the establishment of Bioregenerative Life Support Systems (BLSSs), which, through bioprocesses for primary resource recycling, ensure crew survival. However, the introduction of new organisms in confined space habitats must be carefully evaluated in advance to avoid unforeseen events that could compromise the mission. In this work, we have designed and built an experimental chamber, named Growing/Rearing Module (GRM), completely isolated and equipped with micro-environmental monitoring and control systems. This unit is specially intended for the
study of single bioprocesses, which can be composed to design functional BLSSs. GRM can be implemented with specific devices for the biological system under
study and the control of environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity, lighting and if required, pressure of gaseous components. GRM was validated in experiments of both microgreen cultivation, as a source of fresh food for astronauts, and rearing of the decomposer insect Hermetia illucens for bioconversion of organic waste. During the
study of each bioprocess, the environmental and biological data were recorded, allowing to make preliminary assessments of the system efficiency. The GRM, as a completely confined environment, represents the first self-consistent unit that allows to fine-tune the optimal parameters for the operability of different bioprocesses. Furthermore, the upgradability according to the mission needs and the functional integrability of modules differently equipped are the keys to GRM versatility, representing a valuable tool for BLSSs\' design.