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.

GENETIC MODIFICATION
We have been researching conditions in Mars so we know what traits plants will have to have in order to adapt and grow to withstand the harsh environment.

Conditions: Chosen crops: Genes:
 * very low temperature, large temperature fluctuations: roughly -75 (but up to 20 on the equator)
 * UV radiation
 * dust storms
 * lack of water in liquid state
 * dry ice on poles
 * heavy metals in the soilSpirulina.jpg
 * no organic matter available in the soil
 * spirulina
 * cress
 * peas
 * eskimo potatoeslDNA.png
 * spirulina: gene coding for B12 vitamin and for protein


 * cold resistance
 * resistance to heavy metals/ genes preventing uptake from soil

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.