Paving the way for long-term space missions and space habitats

Human spaceflight missions face great challenges to succeed in an environment hostile to human life. Breathable air, drinkable water and food production are just some of the fundamental obstacles to a viable space habitat.

The Research Executive Agency has funded three projects under the Horizon 2020 Space Programme: BIOWYSE, EDEN and TIME SCALE. They focus on developing technologies and operations for future human space missions to overcome these obstacles.  The projects also aim to advance knowledge related to human spaceflight in general.

Last week, the three project consortia came together with the European Commission and the European Space Agency at the conference “Life Support Technologies in Europe – Past, Present and Future Projects”. Apart from advances in the projects’ research, the role of Space Research under Horizon Europe was discussed, as well as the harmonisation of a roadmap for Life Support Technologies - essential for future long-duration space missions or space habitats.

In particular, the potential applicability of the following technologies on-board the International Space Station (ISS) was discussed: safe methods to prevent microbiological contamination (BIOWYSE); plant cultivation technologies and procedures for safe food production for future human space exploration missions (EDEN ISS); further developing existing life support system concepts to allow life science research and technology demonstrations in microgravity conditions (TIME SCALE).

These technologies are not just limited to the ISS, but they are also exportable and scalable to future Moon and Mars human habitats. They can be therefore seen as a precursor of elements for long-term human space missions far from Earth. At the same time, the technologies also have many potential terrestrial applications. The success of these three projects has attracted to the project consortia new companies with an interest in the space domain, expanding business opportunities, and also reinforcing the link between industry and academia.

More information on the three EU-funded projects:

BIOWYSE is exploring how to prevent, monitor and control bio-contamination in water systems and humid surfaces on-board the International Space Station (ISS) and in future human space exploration missions. It also has potential exploitability for use in confined habitats such as hospitals, greenhouses and water systems

EDEN is developing plant cultivation technologies and procedures for safe food production on-board the ISS. Scientists used the inhospitable environment of the Antarctic to simulate conditions of a long-term mission in space in order to test the cultivation of vegetables for future crewed space missions. The project has also allowed research into how food could be produced in harsh environments such as deserts and Artic regions.

TIME SCALE has developed an advanced life support system to allow life science research and technology under microgravity conditions. It is based on existing ISS technology.  A particular focus has been placed on developing advanced crop cultivation systems with a view to providing astronauts with space-grown food and regenerative life support systems that recycle water, nutrients, air and waste. The innovative water and nutrient management, and plant health monitoring also have many relevant terrestrial applications.