Friday, October 12, 2007
Scientists design self-sufficient space habitat
Australian scientists have designed a system that can support 12 astronauts for up to 3 years on the moon. Although it isnt expected to be developed for at least 20 years, it does look like it will be up to 95 percent self-sufficient.
The "Closed Equilibrated Biological Aquatic System" would allow growing "small-scale farming of fast-growing fish", while the "Micro-Ecological Life Support System Alternative" would use "microbes to purify water, recycle carbon dioxide via photosynthesis, and derive edible material from waste products." Algae is a key part of this system as well, because it would allow the creation of oxygen without pollination.
The article says that 20 square meters of crops per astronaut will be necessary - which is something they are going to have to work on. They emphasize a reliance on peanuts, lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, and wheat. Again, algae will be used for minerals and vitamins. But, some crops require pollination, which also needs to be figured out before they can actually put this together.
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