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Man-Made Closed Ecological Systems as Model of Natural Ecosystems and as Means to Provide High Quality of Human Life in Adverse EnvironmentFor its more than thirty year long history, the experimental creation of closed ecological systems has from its very sources been distinctly and strongly motivated by the development of human life-support systems for space. As the trend developed its fundamental significance and broad opportunities of terrestrial applications of the technologies under development were coming to the foreground. Nowadays, it can be argued that development of closed ecosystems is experimental foundation of a new branch of ecology biospherics, the goal of which is to comprehend the regularities of existence of the biosphere as a unique in the Universe (in that part of it that we know, at least) closed ecosystem. Closed technologies can be implemented in life-support systems under adverse conditions of life on the Earth - in Arctic and Antarctic latitudes, deserts, high mountains or deep in the ocean, as well as under the conditions of polluted water and air. In space where the environment is hostile for life all around the cell of life should be sealed and the life-support system as close to the ideally closed cyclic turnover of the matter as possible. Under terrestrial conditions designers should strive for maximum closure of the limiting factor: water - in deserts, oxygen - in high mountains, energy - in polar latitudes, etc. Essential closure of a life-support systems withstands also pollution of the environment by the wastes of human vital activity. This is of particular importance for the quarantine of visited planets, and on the Earth under the conditions of deficient heat in high latitudes and water in and areas. The report describes experimental ecosystem 'BIOS' and exohabitats being designed on its basis, which are adapted to various conditions, described capacities of the Center for Closed Ecosystems in Drasnoyarsk for international collaboration in research and education in this field.
Document ID
20020014788
Acquisition Source
Ames Research Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Gitelson, I. I.
(Academy of Sciences (USSR) Krasnoyarsk, USSR)
Harper, Lynn
Date Acquired
August 20, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1994
Subject Category
Man/System Technology And Life Support
Meeting Information
Meeting: 24th International Conference on Environmental Systems
Location: Friedrichshafen
Country: Germany
Start Date: June 20, 1994
End Date: June 23, 1994
Funding Number(s)
PROJECT: RTOP 199-62-00
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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