scholarly journals The smallest space miners: principles of space biomining

Extremophiles ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosa Santomartino ◽  
Luis Zea ◽  
Charles S. Cockell
Keyword(s):  
Life Support ◽  
Mineral Nutrients ◽  
The Moon ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Space Applications ◽  
Rock Types ◽  
Water Oxygen ◽  
Space Environments ◽  
Space Conditions

AbstractAs we aim to expand human presence in space, we need to find viable approaches to achieve independence from terrestrial resources. Space biomining of the Moon, Mars and asteroids has been indicated as one of the promising approaches to achieve in-situ resource utilization by the main space agencies. Structural and expensive metals, essential mineral nutrients, water, oxygen and volatiles could be potentially extracted from extraterrestrial regolith and rocks using microbial-based biotechnologies. The use of bioleaching microorganisms could also be applied to space bioremediation, recycling of waste and to reinforce regenerative life support systems. However, the science around space biomining is still young. Relevant differences between terrestrial and extraterrestrial conditions exist, including the rock types and ores available for mining, and a direct application of established terrestrial biomining techniques may not be a possibility. It is, therefore, necessary to invest in terrestrial and space-based research of specific methods for space applications to learn the effects of space conditions on biomining and bioremediation, expand our knowledge on organotrophic and community-based bioleaching mechanisms, as well as on anaerobic biomining, and investigate the use of synthetic biology to overcome limitations posed by the space environments.

scholarly journals Supplementing Closed Ecological Life Support Systems with In-Situ Resources on the Moon

Life ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 770
Author(s):  
Alex Ellery
Keyword(s):  
Life Support ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Support Systems ◽  
The Moon ◽  
Life Support Systems ◽  
Physicochemical Processes ◽  
Local Resources ◽  
C And N ◽  
Biological Organisms

In this review, I explore a broad-based view of technologies for supporting human activities on the Moon and, where appropriate, Mars. Primarily, I assess the state of life support systems technology beginning with physicochemical processes, waste processing, bioregenerative methods, food production systems and the robotics and advanced biological technologies that support the latter. We observe that the Moon possesses in-situ resources but that these resources are of limited value in closed ecological life support systems (CELSS)—indeed, CELSS technology is most mature in recycling water and oxygen, the two resources that are abundant on the Moon. This places a premium on developing CELSS that recycle other elements that are rarified on the Moon including C and N in particular but also other elements such as P, S and K which might be challenging to extract from local resources. Although we focus on closed loop ecological life support systems, we also consider related technologies that involve the application of biological organisms to bioregenerative medical technologies and bioregenerative approaches to industrial activity on the Moon as potential future developments.

scholarly journals (ECS 236th) Pulsed Electrodeposition of Carbon Dioxide Reduction Electrocatalysts for Space Applications

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian Skinn ◽  
Sujat Sen ◽  
McLain Leonard ◽  
DAN WANG ◽  
Fikile R. Brushett ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Dioxide ◽  
Carbon Monoxide ◽  
Formic Acid ◽  
Long Range ◽  
Life Support ◽  
Gas Diffusion ◽  
Space Applications ◽  
Co2 Electroreduction ◽  
Pulsed Electrodeposition

Space programs around the globe have begun to consider the logistical demands of missions beyond the orbital neighborhood of Earth. Unlike local installations such as the International Space Station, long-range missions will not have the option to resupply critical materials from Earth. Thus, the development of capabilities for what is often termed “In-Situ Resource Utilization” (ISRU) have been a continuing focus of research through NASA and other agencies. One particular long-range mission of interest is to place human astronauts on Mars; the major component of the thin Martian atmosphere is carbon dioxide, making CO2 a natural input to ISRU technologies for production of carbon-containing materials. Production of mission consumables from in-situ Mars resources will be critical to enabling human exploration of Mars, in part by minimizing the number and size of descent/ascent vehicles. Potential ISRU products from CO2 include that seem likely to provide significant mission benefits with minimal infrastructure required are propellants (e.g., hydrocarbons), fuel cell reactants (e.g., formic acid, methanol, carbon monoxide), and life support consumables (e.g., oxygen). The first portion of this talk will comprise a high-level overview of the chemical transformations that can be imparted to CO2 via electrocatalysis on gas-diffusion electrodes (GDEs), in the form of a summary of literature reports on the catalytic performance of a wide variety of single-metallic and metal-alloy systems. The remainder will encompass an exposition of the electrocatalytic performance of tin and copper single-metal GDE electrocatalysts prepared by pulsed electrodeposition. These metals are well known for their ability to reduce carbon dioxide to formic acid and hydrocarbons/carbon monoxide, respectively, and are under active development in numerous academic research groups and industrial entities to this end. These experimental results clearly demonstrate the power and flexibility of the pulse/pulse-reverse electrodeposition approach to catalyst fabrication, as evidenced by the appreciable effects of the pulsed-waveform electrodeposition parameters on CO2 electroreduction product distribution and total current density.

scholarly journals Physical Assets by SHS in the Framework of ISRU and ISFR Paradigms for Human Space Missions on the Moon

2013 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 133
Author(s):  
G. Corrias ◽  
R. Licheri ◽  
R. Orrù ◽  
G. Cao
Keyword(s):  
Life Support ◽  
Human Life ◽  
Space Station ◽  
Processing Parameters ◽  
The Moon ◽  
Starting Mixture ◽  
The Sixties ◽  
Important Processing ◽  
Physical Assets

<p>In this work a brief overview of the most important technologies for space exploration, with particular emphasis on the Moon missions, is presented. It is shown that the focus has been on the technologies to extract consumables (O<sub>2</sub>, H<sub>2</sub>O, N<sub>2</sub>) for human life-support replenishment. The fact that the exploitation of extraterrestrial resources to obtain the desired materials during each ongoing mission, which has been the subject of several investigations since the sixties of the last century, is discussed. The paradigms ISRU (In Situ Resources Utilization) and ISFR (In Situ Fabrication and Repair) are then introduced. In particular, one of the most important process for the production of oxygen, i.e. the reduction of ilmenite by hydrogen is analyzed. In addition, the current iteration of the roadmap which identifies two feasible pathways for human missions after ISS (International Space Station) is addressed. Next, the fabrication of Lunar physical assets is taken into account, while focusing particularly on those processes where combustion-like reactions are exploited. The main results recently obtained in the literature in this regards are also summarized. In particular, the choice of the reducing agent and the influence of the most important processing parameters (composition of the starting mixture, gas pressure level, and gravity conditions) are examined in a systematic manner.</p>

In situ deteriorating patient simulation in general practice

2020 ◽  
Vol 70 (suppl 1) ◽  
pp. bjgp20X711425
Author(s):  
Joanna Lawrence ◽  
Petronelle Eastwick-Field ◽  
Anne Maloney ◽  
Helen Higham
Keyword(s):  
Life Support ◽  
Early Recognition ◽  
Phase 1 ◽  
Patient Simulation ◽  
Medical Emergency ◽  
Phase 2 ◽  
Action Plans ◽  
Integrated Simulation ◽  
Deteriorating Patient

BackgroundGP practices have limited access to medical emergency training and basic life support is often taught out of context as a skills-based event.AimTo develop and evaluate a whole team integrated simulation-based education, to enhance learning, change behaviours and provide safer care.MethodPhase 1: 10 practices piloted a 3-hour programme delivering 40 minutes BLS and AED skills and 2-hour deteriorating patient simulation. Three scenarios where developed: adult chest pain, child anaphylaxis and baby bronchiolitis. An adult simulation patient and relative were used and a child and baby manikin. Two facilitators trained in coaching and debriefing used the 3D debriefing model. Phase 2: 12 new practices undertook identical training derived from Phase 1, with pre- and post-course questionnaires. Teams were scored on: team working, communication, early recognition and systematic approach. The team developed action plans derived from their learning to inform future response. Ten of the 12 practices from Phase 2 received an emergency drill within 6 months of the original session. Three to four members of the whole team integrated training, attended the drill, but were unaware of the nature of the scenario before. Scoring was repeated and action plans were revisited to determine behaviour changes.ResultsEvery emergency drill demonstrated improved scoring in skills and behaviour.ConclusionA combination of: in situ GP simulation, appropriately qualified facilitators in simulation and debriefing, and action plans developed by the whole team suggests safer care for patients experiencing a medical emergency.

scholarly journals Timing of Mouse Molar Formation Is Independent of Jaw Length Including Retromolar Space

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 8
Author(s):  
Daisy (Jihyung) Ko ◽  
Tess Kelly ◽  
Lacey Thompson ◽  
Jasmene K. Uppal ◽  
Nasim Rostampour ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Onset Time ◽  
Ct Scanning ◽  
Micro Ct ◽  
Third Molars ◽  
Developmental Duration ◽  
Dental Lamina ◽  
Permanent Molars ◽  
Dental Epithelium ◽  
Space Conditions

For humans and other mammals to eat effectively, teeth must develop properly inside the jaw. Deciphering craniodental integration is central to explaining the timely formation of permanent molars, including third molars which are often impacted in humans, and to clarifying how teeth and jaws fit, function and evolve together. A factor long-posited to influence molar onset time is the jaw space available for each molar organ to form within. Here, we tested whether each successive molar initiates only after a minimum threshold of space is created via jaw growth. We used synchrotron-based micro-CT scanning to assess developing molars in situ within jaws of C57BL/6J mice aged E10 to P32, encompassing molar onset to emergence. We compared total jaw, retromolar and molar lengths, and molar onset times, between upper and lower jaws. Initiation time and developmental duration were comparable between molar upper and lower counterparts despite shorter, slower-growing retromolar space in the upper jaw, and despite size differences between upper and lower molars. Timing of molar formation appears unmoved by jaw length including space. Conditions within the dental lamina likely influence molar onset much more than surrounding jaw tissues. We theorize that molar initiation is contingent on sufficient surface area for the physical reorganization of dental epithelium and its invagination of underlying mesenchyme.

Suitability of Natural Geomedia for Radwaste Storage

1982 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. S. Fyfe
Keyword(s):  
Rock Properties ◽  
Fracture Flow ◽  
Time Prediction ◽  
Sedimentary Sequences ◽  
Rock Types ◽  
Direct Observations ◽  
Long Time ◽  
Mining Disturbance ◽  
Selection Of

ABSTRACTSelection of the best rock types for radwaste disposal will depend on their having minimal permeability, maximal flow dispersion, minimal chance of forming new wide aperture fractures, maximal ion retention, and minimal thermal and mining disturbance. While no rock is perfect, thinly bedded complex sedimentary sequences may have good properties, either as repository rocks, or as cover to a repository.Long time prediction of such favorable properties of a rock at a given site may be best modelled from studies of in situ rock properties. Fracture flow, dispersion history, and geological stability can be derived from direct observations of rocks themselves, and can provide the parameters needed for convincing demonstration of repository security for appropriate times.

In Situ and Ex Situ Ellipsometric Characterization of Oxygen Plasma and UV Radiation Effects on Spacecraft Materials

1997 ◽  
Vol 502 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. L. Bungay ◽  
T. E. Tiwald ◽  
M. J. DeVries ◽  
B. J. Dworak ◽  
John A. Woollam
Keyword(s):  
Uv Radiation ◽  
Oxygen Plasma ◽  
Index Of Refraction ◽  
Uv Absorption ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Absorption Bands ◽  
Space Applications ◽  
Growth Trends ◽  
Ellipsometry Data

ABSTRACTAtomic Oxygen (AO) and ultraviolet (UV) radiation contribute (including synergistically) to degradation of spacecraft materials in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). NASA is, therefore, interested in determining what effects the harsh LEO environment has on materials exposed to it, as well as develop materials that are more AO and UV resistant. The present work involves the study of AO and UV effects on polyarylene ether benzimidazole (PAEBI) with in situ and ex situ spectroscopic ellipsometry. PAEBI is a polymer proposed for space applications due to its reported ability to form a protective phosphorous oxide on the surface when exposed to AO. In our experiments PAEBI was exposed to UV radiation from a xenon lamp while in situ ellipsometry data were acquired. The effects of UV radiation were modeled as an exponentially graded layer on the surface of bulk PAEBI. The change in UV absorption spectra, depth profile of the index of refraction, and growth trends of the UV irradiated PAEBI were all studied in these experiments. In addition, PAEBI was exposed to an oxygen plasma to simulate the synergistic effects of AO and UV. Ellipsometry data were acquired in-line with both a UV-Visible ellipsometer and an infrared ellipsometer. The change in UV absorption bands and index of refraction due to synergistic AO/UV, as well as the growth trends of the oxide layer were studied.

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