Microbial ecology of the closed artificial ecosystem MELiSSA (Micro-Ecological Life Support System Alternative)

Larissa Hendrickx, Heleen De Wever, Veronik Hermans, Felice Mastroleo, Nicolas Morin, Annick Wilmotte, Paul Janssen, Max Mergeay

    Research outputpeer-review

    Abstract

    MELiSSA is a bioregenerative life support system designed by the European Space Agency (ESA) for the complete recycling of gas, liquid and solid wastes during long distance space exploration. The system uses the combined activity of different living organisms: microbial cultures in bioreactors, a plant compartment and a human crew. In this mini review, the development of a short cut ecological system for the biotransformation of organic waste is discussed from a micro-organism's perspective. The artificial ecological model - still in full development – that is inspired by Earth's own geomicrobiological ecosystem serves as an ideal study object on microbial ecology and will become an indispensable travel companion in manned space exploration.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)77-86
    JournalResearch in Microbiology
    Volume157
    DOIs
    StatePublished - Jan 2006

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