Page 85 - JCAU-5-3

Journal of Chinese
Architecture and Urbanism Regenerative algal futures

which type of evolutionary theory is correct, this paper’s future scenarios. One of the objectives of bioastronautics is
main objective is primarily to discuss the benefits of to improve possible futurist habitable systems beyond low
bioregenerative algal architectures and not to authenticate Earth orbit. In space, there are many factors to consider in
any type of evolutionary process or theory. Therefore, terms of successful plant growth, such as gravitropism and
it is important to consider that bioregenerative algal the workings of Closed Ecological Life Support Systems
architectures rely on an integrated altruistic alliance with (CELSS). The CELSS is a system that uses physiochemical
microalgae species. Posthuman theorizer Rosi Braidotti methods through the application of miniature enclosed
affirms that the body is not a singular species but is ecosystems (Olson et al., 1988). Algal space research has been
composed of a plethora of “other bodies” and becomes a considered fashionable since the 1960s (Hendrickx et al.,
“transversal force that cuts across and reconnects previously 2006). The model organism Chlorella vulgaris, widely used
segregated species, categories and domains” (Braidotti, in research, has been one of the most responsive organisms
2013). Bioregenerative systems in harsh environments, for experiments in life support systems (Niederwieser,
whether on Earth or in space, require new alliances with 2018). Extra Vehicular Engineer, Dr. Emily Matula, who
segregated and multispecies entities. It is fundamental to is based at the NASA Johnson Space Center, contends that
look at space scenarios reflexively to see how innovated closed systems can be advanced on exponentially, stating
systems can benefit a damaged Earth. that they have the potential to produce substantially more
oxygen than pre-existing closed (smaller) systems export.
2. Earth and space Furthering economies of scale, a larger system incorporated

To produce bioregenerative systems for future scenarios, a into thermal loops of space craft have the potential to create
multidisciplinary set of methods is required, incorporating large photobioreactor systems which have advantages in
a mix of science, architectural design, creative practice, and future scenarios.
technology. Bioastronautics is the study of the biological, Matula & Nabity (2019) hypothesizes the benefits in
astronautical body in space flight scenarios (Young producing a large-scale ECLS (Environmental Control and
& Sutton, 2021), and investigates biological, medical, Life Support) system;
scientific, technological, and behavioral conditions of Algal photobioreactors have been researched
humans and other organisms in such conditions. Earth, as potential solutions to air revitalization in a
space and multiplanetary atmospheres become inextricably spacecraft cabin environment by absorbing CO
2
linked — specifically when responding to environments and producing O through photosynthesis. This
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the human and nonhuman body are not accustomed to or photosynthesis and consumption of produced
prepared for (Dominoni, 2020). Comparing one extreme biomass, theoretically provides a closed-
environment to another can benefit each situation the body loop solution for long-duration spaceflight.
is placed in. An example of a worst-case scenario would be Addressing multiple spaceflight requirements
the Martian landscape, where there is a lack of atmosphere, simultaneously with algae has the potential to
high amounts of CO and very low temperatures, amongst reduce launch mass, power, and volume of future
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many other challenges in space (Mapstone et al, 2022; Environmental Control and Life Support (ECLSS)
Verseux et al. 2016; Fahrion et al. 2021). Visualizing systems (Matula & Nabity, 2019).
extreme environments and creating propositional Matula suggests that if an incorporated system of
responses to indeterminate situations through speculative inoculating algal cultures were placed into water-based
design can be used as a method to see how design can cooling loops on a large scale in the International
1
be incorporated further with living systems (Figure 1). Space Station, the algae would “thrive” through a large
Biotechnology experiments carried out in space on the photobioreactor system in the cooling loops of the craft.
International Space Station enable a visualization and While this can be advantageous in many ways, it is
provide evidence of how microalgae in bioreactor systems important to realize that systems can have difficulties, such
react to harsher environments (Detrell et al. 2020b). as biofilm formation and blockages to cooling systems.
Bioregenerative experiments are fundamental for assessing
how life support systems can be adapted on Mars. They 1 The International Space Station’s cooling loops
will be pertinent both for an unknown future on Earth and through the Active Thermal Control Systems (ATCS),
for the potential inhabitation of multiplanetary surfaces which are the thermal control systems, allow fluids
(Verseux et al., 2022; Häder, 2020). to pass through the system, using liquid ammonia
to keep the solar panels at a controlled temperature.
On Earth, or in space, the medical, biological, and Through photovoltaic systems from the solar panels,
behavioral aspects in the administration of human and the system proves to be successful, which is also used
nonhumans in a space flight environment are required for for electricity generation.

Volume 5 Issue 3 (2023) 3 https://doi.org/10.36922/jcau.179