PBR@LSR: The algae-based photobioreactor experiment at the ISS - Operations Phase

Gisela Detrell, Harald Helisch, Jochen Keppler, Johannes Martin, Norbert Henn, Oliver Angerer, Susanne Peters, Reinhold Ewald, Stefanos Fasoulas

Research output: Contribution to journalConference articlepeer-review

Abstract

The experiment Photobioreactor at the Life Support Rack (PBR@LSR) was launched to the International Space Station (ISS) in the second quarter of 2019. The objective was to demonstrate for the first time the technology and performance of a hybrid life support system (combining physico-chemical and biotechnological components) in space and to prove the feasibility of xenic long-term cultivation of microalgae (Chlorella vulgaris) under space conditions. The experiment and development of the PBR was initiated in 2015 by the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and the Institute of Space Systems (IRS) of the University of Stuttgart with Airbus Defence and Space as prime for the flight hardware. The experiment on the ISS, as well as a parallel experiment at IRS, started in June 2019. An unexpected and not yet fully understood lack of power supply ended the experiment earlier than planned - after two weeks of operations. The cause of the power supply failure is still being analysed. Samples of those first weeks came down with Spx18. This paper will explain the first observations and results of the operational phase of the PBR@LSR experiment.

Original languageEnglish
Article numberIAC-19_A1_7_3_x50259
JournalProceedings of the International Astronautical Congress, IAC
Volume2019-October
StatePublished - 2019
Externally publishedYes
Event70th International Astronautical Congress, IAC 2019 - Washington, United States
Duration: 21 Oct 201925 Oct 2019

Keywords

  • Hybrid
  • ISS-Experiment
  • Life Support System
  • Microalgae
  • Photobioreactor

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