Synthetic Ecosystems for Extreme Environments

Problem statement

Current space habitat life support systems are power-intensive, maintenance-heavy, and rely on separate components for air, temperature, and waste management. This limits sustainability for long missions where resupply is scarce. A more integrated, low-power solution is needed to passively support life with minimal crew intervention. Therefore, a multifunctional wall system that passively generates oxygen, regulates temperature, and recycles waste offers a promising approach to enabling safer, longer, and more autonomous space missions.

Target audience and stakeholders

Key stakeholders include space agencies and astronauts who rely on reliable life support for long missions, aerospace companies integrating habitat systems, and researchers developing the underlying technologies. Earth-based applications also attract interest from environmental and biotech sectors.

Solution

To address the limitations of current space habitat systems, this solution introduces a multifunctional, bio-integrated wall capable of passively sustaining human life in extreme environments. The system combines four synergistic technologies: engineered algae modules that convert CO₂ into oxygen and edible biomass; phase-change materials embedded in the wall to passively regulate internal temperature despite external fluctuations; microbial fuel cells that use organic waste to generate low-voltage electricity for small devices; and a smart sensor layer that monitors environmental conditions and dynamically adjusts the system’s responses. Together, these components form a self-regulating, low-power solution that reduces crew intervention, cuts down reliance on consumables, and supports longer-duration missions through improved autonomy and resilience. The modular design allows for scalability and adaptability, making it suitable not only for lunar and Martian outposts, but also for Earth-based applications in remote or resource-limited environments.

Operation plan

1. Prototype Development Design and fabricate small-scale prototypes of individual modules, including the algae bioreactor, phase-change material layer, and environmental sensors. Simulate basic integration in a sealed environment to assess functionality and compatibility.

2. Environmental Testing on Earth Conduct controlled testing in oxygen-regulated chambers and temperature-variable environments. Use simulated waste inputs to evaluate oxygen production, thermal performance, and energy output. Refine sensor response and AI control systems.

3. Short-Term Space Testing Deploy the integrated panel on the ISS or a suborbital platform. Monitor system behavior in microgravity, focusing on algae growth, PCM efficiency, microbial fuel cell output, and sensor performance compared to Earth-based benchmarks.

4. Long-Term Space Testing Install the system in a space analog environment or deep-space module. Evaluate continuous operation, maintenance needs, contamination control, and crew interaction over extended durations.

5. Full Technology Integration Optimize module size, mass, and energy use for space missions. Complete system integration with habitat life support infrastructure, followed by safety certification and qualification for flight and deployment.

Budgeting

The projected budget is $1.2 million over three years, covering R&D, prototyping, environmental testing, and short-term space deployment. This includes materials, fabrication, sensor development, and system integration. As just 0.017% of NASA’s R&D budget, it offers a cost-effective step toward sustainable life support in space.

Conclusion

By combining engineered algae, phase-change materials, microbial fuel cells, and smart sensors, this integrated wall system offers a low-power, self-regulating solution to the challenges of sustaining life in space. It enables oxygen production, thermal stability, and waste recycling in a compact, modular form—supporting longer, safer, and more autonomous missions while opening new possibilities for sustainable technologies on Earth.

Built With

• canva