Plant production, energy balance and monitoringcontrol-telepresence in a recirculating hydroponic vegetable crop production system: Prototype lunar greenhouse

G. Giacomelli, M. Kacira, R. Furfaro, R. L. Patterson, P. Sadler

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

The goals of this investigation were to evaluate a Bioregenerative Life Support System (BLSS) approach for a sustained human surface presence on the Moon (or Mars) for a four-person crew by the development and/or demonstration of polyculture crop production, system mass balances and flow of input/output resources, biomass recycling, energy generation, and monitoring/control with non-contact sensing and telepresence technologies. Food production efficiency (kg/unit time/resource input) was determined based on fresh and dry weights produced per unit time, volume, and input resources. A Solar Concentrated Power System using a Himawari was evaluated. A Remote Experts Network and Decision Support System (RENDSys) was created to improve the monitoring and control capability with noncontact sensing and telepresence technologies. An Energy Cascade Model for a multicrop lunar greenhouse system was evaluated. These component systems represent several of the major developmental needs for a future BLSS as determined by the Arizona-NASA Steckler Space Grant Program: Prototype Lunar Greenhouse Development. Each was discussed individually in detail within the proceedings of the 44th International Conference on Environmental Systems, Tucson, Arizona. This paper represents an overview of the Prototype Lunar Greenhouse Development based on those reports.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationXXIX International Horticultural Congress on Horticulture
Subtitle of host publicationSustaining Lives, Livelihoods and Landscapes (IHC2014): International Symposium on Innovation and New Technologies in Protected Cropping
EditorsS. De Pascale, W.J. Jiang, G. Connellan
PublisherInternational Society for Horticultural Science
Pages53-59
Number of pages7
ISBN (Electronic)9789462611016
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 23 2015

Publication series

NameActa Horticulturae
Volume1107

Keywords

  • BLSS
  • Bioregenerative life support
  • Controlled environment
  • Mars
  • Moon
  • NASA steckler space grant
  • Planetary habitat
  • Urban agriculture

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Horticulture

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