Astronauts exploring the Moon will require innovative solutions to meet their critical needs, including food and oxygen. Researchers from the Technical University of Munich have published a study on using local lunar resources to build photobioreactors (PBRs), which could provide a sustainable source of food and oxygen for long-term missions.
The concept behind PBRs is simple: enclose a biological system, such as algae, and harvest the resulting waste products like oxygen and nutrients. However, on the lunar surface, these systems face challenges due to direct sunlight and radiation, which can kill living organisms. To overcome this, the research team analyzed two types of PBR designs: tubular air lift and flat panel airlift (FPA). The FPA variety was more efficient but required more maintenance.
Building PBRs using local resources could result in significant cost savings, estimated at $50 million to $100 million per system. Abundant lunar resources are available for structural materials, but algae require light, which can be generated through internal lighting or clear glass from the Sun. Researchers have yet to successfully produce clear glass from lunar regolith.
Another crucial component is LEDs and electronics, making it challenging to produce locally. However, researchers suggest using algae as a biological feedstock for plastic production. Phosphorus, essential for life, must be collected on the Moon, but carbon, nitrogen, and chlorine are scarce. To minimize waste, they propose recycling astronaut wastewater.
The authors recommend a hybrid approach combining traditional in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) methods with PBRs for food and oxygen production. Both technologies will play a role in establishing a lunar colony. Until then, research will continue to improve PBR designs, glass production, and algae harvesting methods to maximize the use of lunar resources.
Learn More: L. Salman et al – In-situ manufacturing of photobioreactors on the Moon using local resources
Source: https://www.universetoday.com/articles/lunar-photobioreactors-could-provide-food-and-oxygen-on-the-moon