Closed biotechnological cycles for transport life support systems in deep space exploration

¹ Transport and Telecommunication Institute, Lomonosov 1, Riga, LV-1019, Latvia
² Center for Industrial Implementation of Applied Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences BIOCENTER – SAS, Microdistrict B, house 34/83, Pushchino, Moscow Region, 142290, Russia

^* Corresponding author: Kabashkin.I@tsi.lv

Abstract

The integration of closed biotechnological cycles in life support systems (LSS) of autonomous transport systems (ATS) is a critical solution for deep space and planetary exploration. Prolonged autonomous existence of integral ecosystems depends on the degree of cyclic use of substances and the coefficient of closure of the ecosystem's mass-exchange processes. In missions lasting over two years, it becomes more beneficial to reproduce necessary substances inside the system instead of relying on external supplies. This research aims to explore the integration of closed biotechnological cycles, with a focus on the biotechnological cycles of methane and carbon dioxide, in the LSS ATS to achieve a high coefficient of closed circulation of substances and nature-like features. Two methods of ATS crew waste processing are described, and the potential of using methane for additional oxygen generation and food protein biosynthesis in the closed-loop cycle of substances transformation is investigated. Additionally, the possibility of applying methane biooxidation technology to existing biotechnological processes of feed and food protein production using methanotrophic bacteria in terrestrial conditions is discussed as a potential method for producing food animal protein in LSS ATS.