A comprehensive Bioregenerative Life Support System (BLiSS) for human Long-duration Space Exploration Missions (LDSEMs) requires an innovative design philosophy and novel technical solutions. SIRONA: Sustainable Integration of Regenerative Outer-space Nature and Agriculture is a greenhouse design that produces a wide variety of food sources and provides life support functions, including access to nature to improve astronaut restoration, relaxation, and recreation. In a previous paper (Hava et al., 2019), risk analyses, technologies, and system architecture were outlined, while this paper describes the foundational Living Systems Centered Design (LSCD) principles that informed the development of the greenhouse. Analyses on projected performance are also carried out to validate design assumptions and constraints.
Reference
Hava, H., Zhou, H.L., Mehlenbeck, C., King, A., Lombardi, E.M., Baker, K., Kaufman, A. and Correll, N., 2020. SIRONA: Sustainable Integration of Regenerative Outer-space Nature and Agriculture. Part 2—Design Development and Projected Performance. Acta Astronautica.