Browsing by Author "Souza, Davi"
Now showing 1 - 6 of 6
- Results Per Page
- Sort Options
Item Biologically Reliable Integration and Design for Growth Environments in Space (BRIDGES)(51st International Conference on Environmental Systems, 7/10/2022) Souza, Davi; Shileikis, Eran; Bandemegala, Sai Tarun PrabhuEstablishing sustainable architectures beyond existing environmental control and life support systems (ECLSS) into closed ecological environments is of utmost importance for long duration human spaceflight. BRIDGES facilitates the progress from regenerative physicochemical processes to a modular hybrid framework that incorporates a new system; biological life. Modular systems will support scalability and enable increased system closure in both ground-based analogs and reduced gravity environments. This approach seeks to characterize the dominant gas and water dynamics in the microclimate surrounding microgreens by monitoring them in small controlled volumes in test environments. Microgreens are quick and practical sources of edible biomass with high nutritional value, ease of handling, short seed-to-feed period, and minimal resource requirements. Envisioning sensor specifications, locations, and frequency of data acquisition will be the immediate focus to determine the degree of time sensitivity required for autonomous or human response to adverse conditions. Understanding the impact on the ECLSS control algorithm and cultivation feedback loops will be critical for future design considerations that can accommodate the needs of all life. In turn this increases the safety of the crew by detecting and overcoming faults, failures or other issues that will reinforce overall system reliability. In summation, BRIDGES aims to standardize the evolution of life support systems using smart agriculture to establish a ground control setup with capabilities such as data acquisition, controls and automation, systemic impact, and risk mitigation. This will lead to a better understanding of synergies between the built environment and the natural environment before introducing ecological habitats on the Moon and Mars.Item Designing a hybrid approach for space analog missions in Brazil(51st International Conference on Environmental Systems, 7/10/2022) Souza, Davi; Rezende, Julio; Santos, LuisaThe COVID-19 pandemic induced a challengefull moment to carry out face-to-face space analog missions in Brazil, given that there could be a spread of the disease if one of the participants was infected, transmitting it to another. In view of this scenario, a proposed innovative methodology for the continuity of Habitat Marte Space Analog Station�s operations was virtual missions. Aiming at providing a professional space experience, the participants become involved in activities such as mission planning, including routines scheduling process, and training on topics related to management of habitats, food production, sanitation (water supply, sewage and waste), energy and education. After virtual missions success, participants were invited to collaborate in both in-person and remote activities related to the Habitat Marte protocols and research themes that associate space and sustainability. Habitat Marte operates in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, in the Brazilian semiarid region, and is one of the most innovative projects in stimulating the development of skills in the Brazilian aerospace sector. During the Hybrid Space Analog (HSA) mission type, a trained and experienced team was established for virtual support in the main involved activities and tasks presented during the in-person mission occurrence. On the hybrid moments, the participants at the station meet with the remote crew to meet demands that were presented as tasks and challenges during the mission. Some of the protocols for collecting local data in hybrid missions are: initial survey; psychological protocol; greenhouse monitoring; and final survey. These activities have generated a large volume of data, which has allowed us to provide a variety of studies and publications. With that, face-to-face routines at Habitat Marte are carried out to provide knowledge on operational and research activities while collaborating on technological and operational processes that will support future missions on Moon and Mars.Item Habitat Marte Educational Program: Space, Sustainability and Agriculture for People(2020 International Conference on Environmental Systems, 2020-07-31) Rezende, Julio; Souza, Davi; Santos, DalmoEnsuring the safe and controlled production of food during long-term manned missions is among the most important goals that future space crews will need to attain. Even using automation for crew time savings and food production optimization, a series of crew procedures will be required to start plant cultivation experiments in space or in analog environments, evaluate quality and safety factors, and measure biomass output and crew time requirements. But how can the educational process help to transform the younger generation into future space specialists? During the analog missions in the analog space station Habitat Marte, based in Rio Grande do Norte State, Brazil, the crew manage an aquaponic system for food crops (BioHabitat greenhouse) directly relevant to space habitats (Moon and Mars), and equally promising for regions affected by droughts. Though still an emerging technique for food production, aquaponics also promotes scientific literacy. It is a great tool for science education at all levels, from primary though vocational and university audiences. A school module provides several ways to enrich science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) classes. Through a “hands-on” approach it also enables students to learn about the research process and brings to light “meaning-making” which is a process of direct experience of an individual. Aquaponics can thus become a pleasant and effective way for students to study STEM content. In addition to expanding education on the environment, sustainability and coding, the Habitat Marte Educational Program (HMEP) seeks to bring the academy closer to the productive sector and communities, promoting the strategies of Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) to improve an efficient process of food production, through courses, technical visits and workshops, focusing on space spin-offs to vulnerable communities and youth advancement.Item Motivating for Space in Brazil(2020 International Conference on Environmental Systems, 2020-07-31) Rezende, Julio; Oliveira, Alvaro; Souza, Davi; Santos, DalmoIn Brazil, it is still a challenge to motivate children and youth to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines. We believe that Space can be a trigger to inspire engagement with scientific aerospace careers, a promising area to new jobs. This research has identified relevant initiatives in operation in Rio Grande do Norte State (Brazil): Mars Society Brazil, Space Forum, and Habitat Marte. The Mars Society Brazil was established during the first semester of 2019. Since its creation, students have become a crucial part of the activities demonstrating enthusiasm and commitment. The Society is an important driving force in establishing an agenda of debates, skills development, and popularization of research and science. Mars Society Brazil, under the coordination of a professor, is evaluating strategies to enlarge the group and to present a higher impact in the local scientific community. The Mars Society Brazil community, among many activities planned, offers use of scientific NASA and ESA public tools to explore deeper learning about Space. The group is using Facebook and WhatsApp to build a sense of community. The empowerment of students has been a key and positive element to Mars Society Brazil operations. They are committed to defining a clear roadmap to apply space science in their daily lives and in research. Rio Grande do Norte Space Forum is another activity developed to share knowledge and content related to Space. Since inaugural activities in August 2018, six meetings have brought debates and lectures by representatives from academia, government, and industry. The Mars analog research station, Habitat Marte, has also developed lectures and invited technical visits that also help to share an awareness about Space. The initiatives are helping to generate a common, active community that shares complementary knowledge contributing to the creation of an integrated vision for Space in Brazil.Item Sustainable Crop Cultivation in Space Analogs: A BRIDGES Methodology Perspective Through SpaCEA Cabinets(2024 International Conference on Environmnetal Systems, 2024-07-21) Souza, Davi; Bandemegala, Sai Tarun Prabhu; Fountain, Luke; Wright, Harry Charles; Moschopoulos, Alexis; Lantin, Stephen; Kainu, Morgan; Buchli, VictorSustainable crop cultivation in space holds paramount significance for the support of life in future long-duration missions. This research explores the development and integration of innovative low-cost proof-of-concept (LC-POC) plant growth cabinets tailored for use in space analog missions. By outlining past and current efforts in space farming, this study introduces the SpaCEA Cabinet using BRIDGES framework, establishing a context for reproducible experiments and innovation in plant growth systems. The SpaCEA cabinets can either be delivered in flat packs or assembled on-site, employing cutting-edge methods like 3-D printing and laser cutting. The main objective is to assess how effectively these structures foster crop growth within analog environments while replicating conditions crucial for space exploration. Employing a multi-faceted approach encompassing technical and qualitative dimensions, this project integrates a qualitative investigation where representatives managing analog stations and analog astronauts will partake in interviews and questionnaires to discern specific requirements and challenges within these environments. Insights gained from these engagements will significantly define the final design parameters of updated SpaCEA plant growth cabinets. The practical applicability of these cabinets emphasizes ease of assembly and transportation, addressing the inherent spatial and logistical constraints associated with space missions. Furthermore, the BRIDGES framework ensures the standardization of hardware, software, and data-gathering elements within a unified structure, which utilizes cutting-edge manufacturing technologies for the prototyping and deployment of these cabinets. The anticipated outcomes of this research include the identification of key design considerations and technical specifications for plant growth cabinets tailored to space farming analog systems. This research is poised to contribute valuable knowledge to sustainable space exploration through the development of interoperable plant growth systems for analog environments, advancing research in space crop cultivation which will make up part of a larger bioregenerative life support system.Item Towards Self-Reliance Beyond Earth: Standardizing Controls for Plant Growth Systems using BRIDGES(2024 International Conference on Environmnetal Systems, 2024-07-21) Bandemegala, Sai Tarun Prabhu; Souza, Davi; Lantin, StephenAs humanity progresses towards establishing permanent settlements on the lunar surface and Mars, the demand for precise Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) systems becomes increasingly critical. This underscores the necessity to address key technological gaps to bolster the long-term reliability of Space Farming (SF) systems. This paper focuses on implementing systematic strategies to effectively control CEA based on space mission scenarios. The BRIDGES methodology is introduced as a strategic and practical approach to tackle inherent reproducibility issues and the extensive data demands in this field. This sets the foundation for understanding the current capabilities of SF research and its transition towards a fully bio-regenerative system independent of physicochemical (PC) processes. A framework called SpaCEA is proposed to standardize the integration of CEA into a space environment, specifically outlining standardization for Illumination Systems (ILS), Atmosphere Management Systems (AMS), Nutrient Delivery Systems (NDS), and the Greenhouse Control Unit (GCU). While the physical implementation may differ among designs, practical operation ranges are defined to aggregate data between designs for future control system development and to ensure operational performance in production. This encompasses varying levels of automation, models, software and hardware solutions, and their integration with existing simulation tools, economic models, and broader habitation systems. In conclusion, the utilization of BRIDGES offers a robust solution in the form of an oriented methodology, to anticipate significant strides towards sustainable and responsive space farming. Thus, this study identifies potential opportunities within the scope of SF and highlights its potential to revolutionize space exploration, paving the way for human self-reliance beyond Earth's boundaries.