Description:
Biochemical Systems for CO2 Removal and Processing to Useful Products
NASA is interested in biochemical or biological systems and supporting hardware suitable for purifying the atmosphere in confined spaces such as crewed spacecraft or space habitat cabins. Of special interest is the removal and fixation of CO2 from a cabin atmosphere via biochemical pathways or autotrophic organisms (plants, algae, cyanobacteria, etc) to produce oxygen and other useful products, including food. Processes considering photosynthesis must address how quantum and/or radiation use efficiency will be improved. Systems should consider minimizing power, mass, consumables and biologically produced waste, while maximizing reliability and efficiency.
Biochemical Systems for Wastewater Treatment
NASA is interested in biological or biochemical approaches to assist in purifying and recycling wastewater in confined spaces such as crewed spacecraft or space habitat cabins. Of special interest are novel approaches for removing carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus to potable or near potable concentrations, and reduction of biosolids. Systems should consider operating with low power, low consumables, low volume, high reliability and rapid deployment, as well as addressing multi-phase flow issues for reduced gravity.
