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

摘要

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.