PBR@LSR: the Algae-based Photobioreactor Experiment at the ISS – Operations and Results
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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 prove the feasibility of xenic long-term cultivation of microalgae (Chlorella vulgaris) under space conditions and to demonstrate for the first time the technology and performance of a hybrid life support system (combining physico-chemical and biotechnological components). 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 samples of those first weeks came down with the SpX18. Analysis and maintenance on board did not allow the identification of the power supply failure cause. This paper will summarize the operational phase and the results obtained.
Description
Jochen Keppler, Institute of Space Systems - University of Stuttgart, DE
Harald Helisch, Institute of Space Systems - University of Stuttgart, DE
Johannes Martin, Institute of Space Systems - University of Stuttgart, DE
Norbert Henn, Institute of Space Systems - University of Stuttgart, DE
Reinhold Ewald, Institute of Space Systems - University of Stuttgart, DE
Stefanos Fasoulas, Institute of Space Systems - University of Stuttgart, DE
Oliver Angerer, German Aerospace Center (DLR), DE
Susanne Peters, Airbus Defence and Space, DE
ICES204: Bioregenerative Life Support
The proceedings for the 2020 International Conference on Environmental Systems were published from July 31, 2020. The technical papers were not presented in person due to the inability to hold the event as scheduled in Lisbon, Portugal because of the COVID-19 global pandemic.