Presented By: Michigan Engineering
Aerospace Chairs Distinguished Speaker Series
Closing the Carbon Loop in Human Spaceflight with Algae
Emily E. Matula, PhD
Extravehicular Activity Instructor and Flight Controller, NASA Johnson Space Center
Join in FXB or on Zoom at https://umich.zoom.us/j/97552260747
Abstract:
The International Space Station (ISS) is the primary microgravity platform for long-duration spaceflight, with crewed missions lasting approximately six months. However, many of the required ISS life support systems are open loop, necessitating resupply launches every few months. When considering cost and payload mass, current launch capabilities render this approach unsustainable for missions venturing beyond Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Closure of consumable loops, specifically the carbon loop, are critical to reducing this resupply need. Therefore, I propose using photoautotrophs (algae) in life support systems as a bioregenerative approach to increase Earth independence. In my talk, I will review (1) the current life support methods addressing human physiological needs in space; (2) the potential mass, power, and volume savings by using a multifunctional bioregenerative life support system; and (3) the impact of a dynamic spacecraft cabin environment on algae metabolism. Finally, I will discuss my future research plan for continuing to characterize algal response to dynamic environments while expanding my focus to include species of extremophilic algae and supporting cultures through novel approaches to sustained gas/liquid contacting. Concluding with how this ongoing work would broadly benefit both spaceflight and terrestrial environments.
Speaker Bio:
Dr. Emily E. Matula is an EVA instructor and flight controller at NASA Johnson Space Center under the Leidos contract. Separate from her current role, her current research interests include using nanobubbles for sustained gas/liquid contacting for microgravity applications. Before joining Johnson Space Center, she earned her Ph.D. as a NASA Space Technology Research Fellow in 2019 at the University of Colorado in aerospace engineering (bioastronautics). There, her research focused on closing the carbon loop in crewed spaceflight using bioregenerative approaches, specifically algae. Prior to the University of Colorado, Dr. Matula earned her bachelor’s in mechanical engineering and master’s space engineering at the University of Michigan. Her awards include the AIAA Neil Armstrong Graduate Award and the University of Colorado’s John Vise Graduate Award for excellence in aerospace.
Extravehicular Activity Instructor and Flight Controller, NASA Johnson Space Center
Join in FXB or on Zoom at https://umich.zoom.us/j/97552260747
Abstract:
The International Space Station (ISS) is the primary microgravity platform for long-duration spaceflight, with crewed missions lasting approximately six months. However, many of the required ISS life support systems are open loop, necessitating resupply launches every few months. When considering cost and payload mass, current launch capabilities render this approach unsustainable for missions venturing beyond Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Closure of consumable loops, specifically the carbon loop, are critical to reducing this resupply need. Therefore, I propose using photoautotrophs (algae) in life support systems as a bioregenerative approach to increase Earth independence. In my talk, I will review (1) the current life support methods addressing human physiological needs in space; (2) the potential mass, power, and volume savings by using a multifunctional bioregenerative life support system; and (3) the impact of a dynamic spacecraft cabin environment on algae metabolism. Finally, I will discuss my future research plan for continuing to characterize algal response to dynamic environments while expanding my focus to include species of extremophilic algae and supporting cultures through novel approaches to sustained gas/liquid contacting. Concluding with how this ongoing work would broadly benefit both spaceflight and terrestrial environments.
Speaker Bio:
Dr. Emily E. Matula is an EVA instructor and flight controller at NASA Johnson Space Center under the Leidos contract. Separate from her current role, her current research interests include using nanobubbles for sustained gas/liquid contacting for microgravity applications. Before joining Johnson Space Center, she earned her Ph.D. as a NASA Space Technology Research Fellow in 2019 at the University of Colorado in aerospace engineering (bioastronautics). There, her research focused on closing the carbon loop in crewed spaceflight using bioregenerative approaches, specifically algae. Prior to the University of Colorado, Dr. Matula earned her bachelor’s in mechanical engineering and master’s space engineering at the University of Michigan. Her awards include the AIAA Neil Armstrong Graduate Award and the University of Colorado’s John Vise Graduate Award for excellence in aerospace.
Explore Similar Events
-
Loading Similar Events...
