As we plan for stable lunar missions, one of the most significant obstacles is the reliance on Earth for essential resources and supplies. Given the high costs and logistical constraints of launchings and frequent resupply missions, there is an urgent need for autonomous life support systems able to minimize resource consumption and maximize efficiency.
Closed- loop systems minimize waste and maximize resource recycling, creating a self-sustaining environment that reduces the dependency on external supplies. Photobioreactors for micro-algae cultivation, present a promising solution as closed loop systems, due to their ability to produce oxygen, remove carbon dioxide, and provide nutritional biomass.
This project aims to address these challenges by both designing and developing a photobioreactor that optimises resource use and adapts to the unique conditions of the Moon. This project proposes a modular and scalable system that can be customized and fit to standard habitat geometries and Environmental Control and Life Support Systems (ECLSS).