User:SpaceF

Hi, we are SpaceF, a group of 12 Natural Sciences students along with a PhD student and UCL.

We are going to Mars.

There are 3 parts to our journey and we have split ourselves into 3 subgroups to map our mission to Mars.

CLOSED LOOP SYSTEMS
The second stage involves designing a closed-loop life support system comprised of 4 compartments (mimicking the MELISSA project) that works on turning waste products (e.g. from the crew/inedible food) into minerals and nitrates to power plant growth (compartments 1 to 3). These serve as sources for food, oxygen and water (compartment 4). Each compartment is facilitated by various bacteria and algae with Spirulina being used in the final compartment. A closed-loop system like this aims to make the journey to Mars sustainable but could also have the potential for applications on Earth.

 Compartment 1 

The liquefying compartment collects all waste from the crew and turns organic waste to minerals and carbon dioxide using thermophilic bacteria in warm, anaerobic conditions.

 Compartment 2