Bioprocesses and Bioreactors in Space

The plans to establish a cis-lunar station or a Lunar or Mars surface base will entail long-term stays by humans in an isolated environment which has to fulfil the needs for survival but also provide comfort for healthy living and working. A life support system including air revitalization, water recycling, food supply and waste management is therefore mandatory for human habitation in space.

The aim of this Topical Team is to identify the knowledge-gaps concerning microbial bioprocesses and bioreactors operation under space conditions to enable successful deployment in space. The final goal would be to define the general scientific and technical requirements as well as a preliminary concept or options of a bioreactor facility or station that can address the needs of several bioprocesses.