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Evaluation of Cyanothece sp. ATCC 51142 as a candidate for inclusion in a CELSSControlled ecological life support systems (CELSS) have been proposed to make long-duration manned space flights more cost-effective. Higher plants will presumably provide food and a breathable atmosphere for the crew. It has been suggested that imbalances between the CO2/O2 gas exchange ratios of the heterotrophic and autotrophic components of the system will inevitably lead to an unstable system, and the loss of O2 from the atmosphere. Ratio imbalances may be corrected by including a second autotroph with an appropriate CO2/O2 gas exchange ratio. Cyanothece sp. ATCC 51142 is a large unicellular N2-fixing cyanobacterium, exhibiting high growth rates under diverse physiological conditions. A rat-feeding study showed the biomass to be edible. Furthermore, it may have a CO2/O2 gas exchange ratio that theoretically can compensate for ratio imbalances. It is suggested that Cyanothece spp. could fulfill several roles in a CELSS: supplementing atmosphere recycling, generating fixed N from the air, providing a balanced protein supplement, and protecting a CELSS in case of catastrophic crop failure.
Document ID
20040089953
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Schneegurt, M. A.
(NASA Headquarters Washington, DC United States)
Arieli, B.
Nielsen, S. S.
Trumbo, P. R.
Sherman, L. A.
Mitchell, C. A.
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1996
Publication Information
Publication: Advances in space research : the official journal of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR)
Volume: 18
Issue: 4-5
Subject Category
Man/System Technology And Life Support
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
Non-NASA Center
NASA Discipline Number 93-10
NASA Discipline Life Support Systems
NASA Program NSCORT

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