Integration of an algal photobioreactor into an environmental control and life support system of a space station

The ability to conduct human space exploration is closely coupled to the capabilities of new regenerative life support systems to be operated on autonomous space habitats. Thereby, the minimization of system and re-supply mass, food in particular, is crucial. For that reason the integration of an algal photobioreactor (PBR) into an environmental control and life support system (ECLSS) aboard a space station accommodating up to six astronauts was investigated. This research focused on the performance of PBR as a food production system in addition to its task of air revitalization. A terrestrial PBR design was modified for space application and a simulation model was created. For illumination, solar light as well as artificial lighting were implemented. The operation of the PBR incorporated into a physico-chemical ECLSS was simulated and tested within various mission scenarios employing the software tool ELISSA. The simulation results confirm PBR to be sufficient, as a promising extension of physico-chemical ECLSS, to consume carbon dioxide and thereby providing significant amounts of oxygen and food to crew of a space station. Considerable mass savings in re-supply are verified, since part of the food is provided by the PBR and also because of synergistic effects. Results show that the application of the technology is feasible at reasonable system volume, mass, and power.