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Solid Waste Processing: An Essential Technology for the Early Phases of Mars Exploration and ColonizationTerraforming of Mars is the long-term goal of colonization of Mars. However, this process is likely to be a very slow process and conservative estimates involving a synergic, technocentric approach estimate that it may take around 10,000 years before the planet can be parallel to that of Earth and where humans can live in open systems. Hence, any early missions will require the presence of a closed life support system where all wastes, both solids and liquids, will need to be recycled or where all consumables will need to be supplied. The economics of both are often a matter of speculation and conjecture, but some attempt is made here to evaluate the choice. If a choice is made to completely resupply and eject the waste mass, a number of unknown issues are at hand. On the other hand, processing of the wastes, will enable predictability and reliability of the ecosystem. Solid wastes though smaller in volume and mass than the liquid wastes contains more than 90% of the essential elements required by humans and plants. Further, if left unprocessed they present a serious risk to human health. This paper presents the use of well established technology in processing solid wastes, ensuring that the biogeochemical cycles of ecosystems are maintained, reliability of the closed life support system maintained and the establishment of the early processes necessary for the permanent presence of humans on Mars.
Document ID
20020051489
Acquisition Source
Ames Research Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Wignarajah, Kanapathipillai
(Lockheed Martin Engineering and Sciences Co. Moffett Field, CA United States)
Pisharody, Suresh
(Lockheed Martin Engineering and Sciences Co. Moffett Field, CA United States)
Fisher, John
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA United States)
Flynn, Michael
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA United States)
Kliss, Mark
Date Acquired
August 20, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1997
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Science And Exploration
Meeting Information
Meeting: International Conference on Environmental Systems
Location: Lake Tahoe, NV
Country: United States
Start Date: July 14, 1997
End Date: July 17, 1997
Funding Number(s)
PROJECT: RTOP 199-61-00
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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