Successful realisation of the Arthrospira-C experiment at the MUSC
- Researchers of the Belgian Nuclear Research Centre SCK CEN successfully showed, that Cyanobacteria produce oxygen and edible biomass on board the ISS in a continuous regime
- The hardware, which was specifically designed for this experiment by Redwire Space Europe, showed impressive reliability and reproducibility
- The MUSC team at DLR successfully coordinated the mission preparation, operations on board the ISS and the data transfer to the scientists as well as engineers at SCK CEN and Redwire Space Europe
- The Experiment can be regarded as a milestone in the search of an appropriate food supply for long-term missions to the Moon or Mars
- As part of the MELiSSA project (ESA), the experiment contributes to the creation of sustainable circulation systems for space missions
- Focus: Biology, Circulation Systems, Life Support Systems, Space Travel
A glimpse into the future of space biology
The groundbreaking Arthrospira-C experiment was successfully monitored and commanded from the Microgravity User Support Centre (MUSC) at the DLR site in Cologne-Porz. The aim of the experiment was to investigate the ability of cyanobacteria (Limnospira indica PCC8005, also known as spirulina) to produce oxygen and edible biomass in a continuous regime, under the special conditions of microgravity and space radiation. The experiment took place in specially developed bioreactors, that enable continuous growth. They were designed by Redwire Space Europe. Cyanobacteria were supplied with precise nutrient amounts and light settings based on the pre-flight experiments of the team at SCK CEN.
Scientific significance
The experiment provides important findings for the development of regenerative life support systems in space. The experiment is part of the long-term MELiSSA project, which is developing sustainable circulation systems for space missions. The results show that Limnospira indica not only successfully produces oxygen in this continuous set-up but can also serve as a food source in closed systems - a decisive step for long-term missions to the Moon or Mars.
The role of MUSC
The MUSC team coordinated the mission preparation, operations on board the ISS and data transfer to the science and engineering teams. State-of-the-art remote monitoring and control methods were used.
A special thank you
The MUSC team would like to thank Dr. Natalie Leys (SCK CEN), Steven Hens (Redwire) and their respective teams for the great cooperation leading to the successful execution of Arthrospira-C onboard the ISS. Additionally, many thanks to all national and international partners who contributed to this success. With this progress, we are paving the way for future generations of astronauts and the exploration of new worlds.