PubMed · 4388421
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N H Horowitz. 1967-06-16. Microorganisms on Mars.. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.156.3781.1436-c
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Long-duration future habitation of space involving great distances from Earth and/or large crew sizes (eg, lunar outpost, Mars base) will require a controlled ecological life-support system (CELSS) to simultaneously revitalize atmosphere (liberate oxygen and fix carbon dioxide), purify water (via transpiration), and generate human food (for a vegetarian diet). Photosynthetic higher plants and algae will provide the essential functions of biomass productivity in a CELSS, and a combination of physicochemical and bioregenerative processes will be used to regenerate renewable resources from waste materials. Crop selection criteria for a CELSS include nutritional use characteristics as well as horticultural characteristics. Cereals, legumes, and oilseed crops are used to provide the major macronutrients for the CELSS diet. A National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Specialized Center of Research and Training (NSCORT) was established at Purdue University to establish proof of the concept of the sustainability of a CELSS. The Biosphere 2 project in Arizona is providing a model for predicted and unpredicted situations that arise as a result of closure in a complex natural ecosystem.
Systems supporting human life and survival range from small items like oxygen masks or protective suits to the global biosphere. However, in a long run, the former ones cannot work without proper functioning of the latter. A consequence for biomedical research is the challenge to more fully understand, and to take into account, complex ecophysiological systems interdependencies. The development of life support systems (LSS) as used in manned flight significantly contribute to our understanding of life on a grand scale. A "medium-sized" materially closed LSS model is Biosphere 2, which completely recycles waste, provides clean air, potable water, and nutrient-dense food to a crew of 8 for basically unlimited time.