Benefits of Use of Microalgae in Spacecraft

Year : 2024 | Volume : 14 | Issue : 01 | Page : 08 12
    By

    Arnab Chattopadhyay,

  • Suravi Pal,

  1. Student, Department of Biotechnology, Haldia Institute of Technology, Haldia, West Bengal, India
  2. [email protected], Department of Biotechnology, Haldia Institute of Technology, Haldia, West Bengal, India

Abstract

In this time of modern science and technology, we need sustainable development, so that we can meet the demand of future generations as well as the present generation. For this reason, scientists are trying to develop such products which have a considerable remark on every research. Consuming algae as a human food became popular over 70 years after it was discovered in 1942. This concept was first implemented in spacecraft when it was sent to space with human beings and scientists decided to cultivate and grow the algae in the space shuttle. Because there was not enough oxygen available for long-distance space travel, this technique was devised. To solve this problem, scientists have suggested that Chlorella vulgaris can be a blessing for the hybrid life support system (LSS), through physicochemical reaction, food production, and continuation of biological processes. The international space station has concluded that Chlorella can generate oxygen and water by consuming the carbon dioxide produced by the astronauts. It has a 10 times better effect in photosynthesis than any other complex plant. In space research, there is a main concern to managing the total weight of the spacecraft. From the research, scientists said that there is no effect on the algal population due to the weightlessness. Also, it is very tough to maintain a stable ratio between the consumption of oxygen and to exhalation of carbon dioxide. And for this again chlorella is the only solution. It is also seen that a green-algae is a very good source of vitamins, proteins, and other minerals. Chlorella can also survive in extreme conditions. So, it is suspected that, in upcoming space missions, microalgae is the only solution to resolve the scarcity of food and oxygen in spacecraft. Besides being used as a food supplement it will help to fill the nutrients, required for every human being in daily life. This paper focuses on the production and use of chlorella in space environment and its challenges.

Keywords: Life Support System, Microalgae, Oxygen production, Food supplementary, Space research, Chlorella, Algae

[This article belongs to Research & Reviews : A Journal of Biotechnology ]

How to cite this article:
Arnab Chattopadhyay, Suravi Pal. Benefits of Use of Microalgae in Spacecraft. Research & Reviews : A Journal of Biotechnology. 2024; 14(01):08-12.
How to cite this URL:
Arnab Chattopadhyay, Suravi Pal. Benefits of Use of Microalgae in Spacecraft. Research & Reviews : A Journal of Biotechnology. 2024; 14(01):08-12. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/rrjobt/article=2024/view=135989


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Regular Issue Subscription Review Article
Volume 14
Issue 01
Received 20/01/2024
Accepted 16/03/2024
Published 27/03/2024
1,274

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