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Controlled Ecological Life Support Systems (CELSS)
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Attribution: Santomartino, R., Averesch, N.J.H., Bhuiyan, M. et al. Toward sustainable space exploration: a roadmap for harnessing the power of microorganisms. Nat Commun 14, 1391 (2023)
A Controlled Ecological Life Support System ("CELSS") is a sophisticated and integrated system designed to replicate and maintain a stable and self-sustaining environment for humans or other living organisms in an enclosed space, such as a spacecraft, space station, or even on Earth in closed environments like biodomes or underground habitats. The primary goal of a CELSS is to create a balance between the various biological, chemical, and physical processes required for life to thrive, allowing humans or other organisms to live in isolated or extreme environments for extended periods of time.
Key components and features of a typical CELSS include:
1. Bioregenerative Systems: These systems involve the cultivation of plants and microorganisms, such as algae, to perform essential functions within the environment. Plants produce oxygen through photosynthesis and can also help remove carbon dioxide, while certain microorganisms can break down waste materials and recycle nutrients.
2. Nutrient Cycling: In a CELSS, waste materials generated by humans or animals are converted into useful resources. This includes recycling human waste, organic matter, and other waste products back into the ecosystem to provide nutrients for plant growth and other processes.
3. Air and Water Management: CELSS maintains the balance of gases (oxygen, carbon dioxide) and water vapor in the environment, ensuring breathable air and preventing harmful build-ups. Water purification systems clean and recycle water for consumption, irrigation, and other needs. 4. Lighting Systems: Artificial lighting, using energy-efficient LEDs, plays a crucial role in photosynthesis for plant growth. It can also help regulate circadian rhythms for the well-being of the organisms within the system. 5. Temperature and Humidity Control: Maintaining a stable temperature and humidity level is essential for the health and comfort of the inhabitants and the overall ecosystem. Sophisticated climate control systems are used to regulate these factors. 6. Biodiversity: A CELSS often consists of a variety of species, both plants and animals, to create a balanced ecosystem. Each organism has specific roles and contributes to the overall stability of the system. 7. Monitoring and Control Systems: Advanced sensors and computerized control systems continuously monitor various parameters within the CELSS, such as oxygen levels, nutrient concentrations, temperature, and more. Automated controls adjust environmental factors to maintain optimal conditions. CELSS technology has applications not only in space exploration but also on Earth, where it can be used in closed agricultural systems, sustainable urban planning, and disaster relief scenarios. The development of CELSS is an interdisciplinary endeavor, involving fields like biology, ecology, engineering, and materials science, to create efficient and reliable closed-loop ecosystems capable of supporting life in challenging environments.
Key components and features of a typical CELSS include:
1. Bioregenerative Systems: These systems involve the cultivation of plants and microorganisms, such as algae, to perform essential functions within the environment. Plants produce oxygen through photosynthesis and can also help remove carbon dioxide, while certain microorganisms can break down waste materials and recycle nutrients.
2. Nutrient Cycling: In a CELSS, waste materials generated by humans or animals are converted into useful resources. This includes recycling human waste, organic matter, and other waste products back into the ecosystem to provide nutrients for plant growth and other processes.
3. Air and Water Management: CELSS maintains the balance of gases (oxygen, carbon dioxide) and water vapor in the environment, ensuring breathable air and preventing harmful build-ups. Water purification systems clean and recycle water for consumption, irrigation, and other needs. 4. Lighting Systems: Artificial lighting, using energy-efficient LEDs, plays a crucial role in photosynthesis for plant growth. It can also help regulate circadian rhythms for the well-being of the organisms within the system. 5. Temperature and Humidity Control: Maintaining a stable temperature and humidity level is essential for the health and comfort of the inhabitants and the overall ecosystem. Sophisticated climate control systems are used to regulate these factors. 6. Biodiversity: A CELSS often consists of a variety of species, both plants and animals, to create a balanced ecosystem. Each organism has specific roles and contributes to the overall stability of the system. 7. Monitoring and Control Systems: Advanced sensors and computerized control systems continuously monitor various parameters within the CELSS, such as oxygen levels, nutrient concentrations, temperature, and more. Automated controls adjust environmental factors to maintain optimal conditions. CELSS technology has applications not only in space exploration but also on Earth, where it can be used in closed agricultural systems, sustainable urban planning, and disaster relief scenarios. The development of CELSS is an interdisciplinary endeavor, involving fields like biology, ecology, engineering, and materials science, to create efficient and reliable closed-loop ecosystems capable of supporting life in challenging environments.
(C) Dr Paul Hilton 2023