Duration: 12 months
Establishing a sustainable human presence in space necessitates the development of reliable Bioregenerative Life Support Systems (BLSSs). While higher plant cultivation is a cornerstone of BLSSs, incorporating other organisms presents both opportunities and challenges. This research project, “MOM” (Moss On Mars), proposes the innovative use of aquatic Bryophytes, specifically mosses, as a promising biological component for BLSSs. Known for their resilience, adaptability, and efficiency in closed environments, Bryophytes offer potential benefits as bio-filters, contributing to air regeneration and water recycling. MOM aims to characterize aquatic moss species, focusing on their biofiltering capabilities and resource regeneration potential in extra-terrestrial environments, and resistance to ionizing radiation, a critical factor in space. Successful integration of aquatic mosses in BLSSs could minimize contamination risks, optimize CO2 removal/O2 production, and enhance the overall safety and efficiency of space bioreactors. This research will involve characterizing moss performance under two levels of light and temperature: i) optimal (fully controlled conditions) and ii) sub-optimal (partially controlled conditions). Furthermore, the research will evaluate the resistance of moss to ionizing radiation, potentially providing valuable insights into its use as a bio-shielding material. The biofiltering capacity of the moss will also be assessed by evaluating its efficiency in removing heavy metals, metalloids, and nanoparticle removal from water. Throughout the cultivation, CO2/O2 sensors will be utilized alongside chlorophyll fluorescence analyses. This data will be crucial in assessing the moss's suitability for air revitalization and resource regeneration in space. By exploring the potential of aquatic mosses, this research offers a novel and potentially advantageous biological component for enhancing the efficiency and safety of space bioreactors.
