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At least 577 records · Page 32
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Smart Crop Farming Systems for Artemis Exploration Missions

Space crop production systems that mitigate risks of crew poor performance or illness due to inadequate food and nutrition are needed during manned Artemis exploration missions beyond LEO. Prototype farms must be designed for deployment on ISS and tested in manned platforms: Gateway, lunar habitats, and Mars trans-hab spacecraft in preparation for human missions to Mars. Food production must be optimal and safe for human consumption. Thus, plant growth facilities (i.e. Veggie and APH) can be enhanced with imaging systems (including hyperspectral, multispectral, lidar, and fluorescence imaging systems) for nondestructive monitoring of plant health, stress and assessing food safety. Databases of crop responses to stress obtained during ground studies can be used to develop novel artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms for optimizing crop production (i.e. environmental settings during growth) and for detecting crop indices that ensure food safety. Future farming systems should be sustainable and smart. Novel adaptive AI algorithms requiring limited data sets for calibration are needed for reducing crew intervention during plant cultivation except for maintenance and harvesting events. Eventually, AI driven control systems that include autonomous planting, growing, and harvesting as well as periodic sanitization need evaluation for supplementing crew diets with fresh produce during future Mars exploration missions.

O Monje↗
NASA NTRS2003

Carbon balance in bioregenerative life support systems: some effects of system closure, waste management, and crop harvest index

In Advanced Life Support (ALS) systems with bioregenerative components, plant photosynthesis would be used to produce O2 and food, while removing CO2. Much of the plant biomass would be inedible and hence must be considered in waste management. This waste could be oxidized (e.g., incinerated or aerobically digested) to resupply CO2 to the plants, but this would not be needed unless the system were highly closed with regard to food. For example, in a partially closed system where some of the food is grown and some is imported, CO2 from oxidized waste when combined with crew and microbial respiration could exceed the CO2 removal capability of the plants. Moreover, it would consume some O2 produced from photosynthesis that could have been used by the crew. For partially closed systems it would be more appropriate to store or find other uses for the inedible biomass and excess carbon, such as generating soils or growing woody plants (e.g., dwarf fruit trees). Regardless of system closure, high harvest crops (i.e., crops with a high edible to total biomass ratio) would increase food production per unit area and O2 yields for systems where waste biomass is oxidized to recycle CO2. Such interlinking effects between the plants and waste treatment strategies point out the importance of oxidizing only that amount of waste needed to optimize system performance. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd on behalf of COSPAR.

NASA Discipline Life Support Systems↗
NASA NTRS1995

Compositional and toxicological evaluation of the diazotrophic cyanobacterium, Cyanothece sp. strain ATCC 51142

Compositional analyses of Cyanothece sp. strain ATCC 51142 showed high protein (50-60%) and low fat (0.4-1%) content, and the ability to synthesize vitamin B12. The amino acid profile indicated that Cyanothece sp. was a balanced protein source. Fatty acids of the 18:3n-3 type were also present. Mineral analyses indicated that the cellular biomass may be a good source of Fe, Zn and Na. Caloric content was 4.5 to 5.1 kcal g dry weight-1 and the carbon content was approximately 40% on a dry weight basis. Nitrogen content was 8 to 9% on a dry weight basis and total nucleic acids were 1.3% on a dry weight basis. Short-term feeding studies in rats followed by histopathology found no toxicity or dietary incompatibility problems. The level of uric acid and allantoin in urine and tissues was low, suggesting no excess of nucleic acids, as sometimes reported in the past for a cyanobacteria-containing diet. The current work discusses the potential implications of these results for human nutrition applications.

NASA Discipline Life Support Systems↗
DOE OSTI2021

Spatial–Temporal Patterns of Historical, Near-Term, and Projected Drought in the Conterminous United States

Major droughts in the United States have heavily impacted the hydrologic system, negatively effecting energy and food production. Improved understanding of historical drought is critical for accurate forecasts. Data from global climate models (GCMs), commonly used to assess drought, cannot effectively evaluate local patterns because of their low spatial scale. This research leverages downscaled (~4 km grid spacing) temperature and precipitation estimates from nine GCMs’ data under the business-as-usual scenario (Representative Concentration Pathway 8.5) to examine drought patterns. Drought severity is estimated using the Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI) with the Thornthwaite evapotranspiration method. The specific objectives were (1) To reproduce historical (1966–2005) drought and calculate near-term to future (2011–2050) drought patterns over the conterminous USA. (2) To uncover the local variability of spatial drought patterns in California between 2012 and 2018 using a network-based approach. Our estimates of land proportions affected by drought agree with the known historical drought events of the mid-1960s, late 1970s to early 1980s, early 2000s, and between 2012 and 2015. Network analysis showed heterogeneity in spatial drought patterns in California, indicating local variability of drought occurrence. The high spatial scale at which the analysis was performed allowed us to uncover significant local differences in drought patterns. This is critical for highlighting possible weak systems that could inform adaptation strategies such as in the energy and agricultural sectors.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

Meeting global challenges with regenerative agriculture producing food and energy

The world currently faces a suite of urgent challenges: environmental degradation, diminished biodiversity, climate change and persistent poverty and associated injustices. All of these challenges can be addressed to a large extent through agriculture. A dichotomy expressed as ‘food versus fuel’ has misled thinking and hindered needed action towards building agricultural systems in ways that are regenerative, biodiverse, climate resilient, equitable and economically sustainable. Here we offer examples of agricultural systems that meet the urgent needs while also producing food and energy. Furthermore, we call for refocused conversation and united action towards rapidly deploying such systems across biophysical and socioeconomic settings.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
NASA NTRS1991

Lunar outpost agriculture

The development of a CELSS for a lunar outpost is discussed. It is estimated that a lunar outpost life support system with a crew of four that produces food would break even in terms of mass and cost to deliver the system to the lunar surface after 2.5 years when compared to the cost of resupply from earth. A brief review is made of research on life support systems and NASA projects for evaluating CELSS components. The use of on-site materials for propellants, construction materials, and agriculture is evaluated, and the use of microbes for waste decomposition and stabilization of ecological balance is touched upon. Areas for further investigation include the behavior of organisms in microgravity, genetic alteration, gas exchange capabilities of organisms, integration of biological and physicochemical components, and automation. The development stages leading to lunar deployment are outlined.

Hossner, Lloyd R.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Bioregenerative technologies for waste processing and resource recovery in advanced space life support system

The Controlled Ecological Life Support System (CELSS) for producing oxygen, water, and food in space will require an interactive facility to process and return wastes as resources to the system. This paper examines the bioregenerative techologies for waste processing and resource recovery considered for a CELSS Resource Recovery system. The components of this system consist of a series of biological reactors to treat the liquid and solid material fractions, in which the aerobic and anaerobic reactors are combined in a block called the Combined Reactor Equipment (CORE) block. The CORE block accepts the human wastes, kitchen wastes, inedible refractory plant materials, grey waters from the CELLS system, and aquaculture solids and processes these materials in either aerobic or anaerobic reactors depending on the desired product and the rates required by the integrated system.

Chamberland, Dennis↗
DOE OSTI2022

Integrated Urban Services: Regional Launch Event, 10-11 and 12-13 August 2021 [Slides]

The Integrated Urban Services (IUS) Program virtual launch event was conducted on August 10th and 12th, 2021 and provided education to the 26 cities in the ASEAN Smart Cities Network focused on integrated urban planning and the energy-food-water nexus. Experts representing academia, government, NGOs, and the private sector were invited to share knowledge and key lessons from their experience working on urban development projects in the ASEAN region and around the world. The IUS program, which is funded by the U.S. State Department and implemented by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, aims to promote systems integration and circular economy principles for resource recovery and reuse at the city scale. This new initiative will help ASEAN cities build resilience in their energy, water, and food provision systems. The objectives of this three-year project are to: Educate stakeholders on the benefits of circular economy approaches such as resource recovery and reuse, and on opportunities to build cost-efficient and resilient models of basic urban service and food provision; Provide technical assistance to two select cities within ASEAN to aid them in implementing regenerative EWF system pilot projects; and Engage the private sector to promote market-based planning and investment to support pilot project implementation.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Soft matter approach for creating novel protein hydrogels using fractal whey protein assemblies as building blocks

In this study, mesoscopic sized fractal assembly (FA) particles were prepared using whey protein isolate; the coldset gelation properties of FA particles were investigated in-depth. Two types of FA particles (FA -62 and FA -90) with different mean sizes were synthesized through controlled thermal treatment of whey protein solutions at two concentrations (62 g/L and 90 g/L). Particle characteristics e.g. hydrodynamic radius, ζ-potential and surface hydrophobicity were dependent on pH and structure of FA. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observation confirmed the fractal morphology and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) analysis suggested an internal fractal structure for the obtained FA particles. Eight cold-set FA protein gels (2 % w/v) were manufactured by controlling two gelling factors at two levels: pH (5.8 and 7.0) and Ca 2+ content (5 mM and 10 mM). Rheological characteristics in the large amplitude oscillatory shear regime revealed that pH 7.0 gels were softer and elastic while pH 5.8 gels were harder and brittle. Rheology Pipkin diagrams demonstrated that the strain softening/stiffening and the shear-thinning/thickening behaviors may be fine-tuned by manipulating the key gelation factors: e.g. FA structure, pH, and Ca 2+ . The entrainment speed-dependent friction coefficient curves showed that at an intermediate velocity regime (6-250 mm s -1 ), FA -90 particles induced hydrogels had superior lubrication effect compared to FA -62 gels. Further, this work demonstrated a food structure design approach regarding tuning texture and lubrication properties of protein gels without changing protein content and protein composition. The optimized protein hydrogels may be used as texturizer for "cleaner label" food formulas and/or as delivery system for carrying micronutrients.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2020

Lignin-Graft-Poly(lactic- co -glycolic) Acid Biopolymers for Polymeric Nanoparticle Synthesis

A lignin-graft-poly(lactic- co -glycolic) acid (PLGA) biopolymer was synthesized with two types of lignin (LGN), alkaline lignin (ALGN) and sodium lignosulfonate (SLGN), at different (A/S)LGN/PLGA ratios (1:2, 1:4, and 1:6 w/w). 1 H NMR and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) confirmed the conjugation of PLGA to LGN. The (A/S)LGN-graft-PLGA biopolymers were used to form nanodelivery systems suitable for entrapment and delivery of drugs for disease treatment. The LGN-graft-PLGA NPs were generally small (100–200 nm), increased in size with the amount of PLGA added, monodisperse, and negatively charged (-48 to -60 mV). Small-angle scattering data showed that particles feature a relatively smooth surface and a compact spherical structure with a distinct core and a shell. The core size and shell thickness varied with the LGN/PLGA ratio, and at a 1:6 ratio, the particles deviated from the core–shell structure to a complex internal structure. The newly developed (A/S)LGN-graft-PLGA NPs are proposed as a potential delivery system for applications in biopharmaceutical, food, and agricultural sectors.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2023

Optimization of Spirulina for biomanufacturing and the delivery of protein therapeutics

Lumen Bioscience has developed a novel cyanobacterial platform that enormously decreases the cost of pharmaceuticals used to prevent and treat illnesses. Arthrospira platensis (spirulina), is a photosynthetic microorganism that has been consumed as a dietary supplement for centuries in part because of its high protein content. Commercial cultivation operations have matured over the last 50 years to allow large-scale cultivation in outdoor ponds. Lumen recently discovered methods that transform this commercially important cyanobacterium into a genetically tractable platform for bioengineering. The high protein accumulation in spirulina makes it an ideal chassis for heterologous protein expression, and centuries of safe human consumption suggest its utility as an administration vehicle for biologic drugs. Lumen can express a broad range of recombinant proteins in spirulina and has developed manufacturing processes and strains to mucosally deliver bioactive proteins to treat and/or prevent disease. For example, Lumen has produced an oral cocktail of dried whole-cell spirulina biomass, containing 3 toxin-neutralizing antibodies and 1 endolysin, that is efficacious in a preclinical in vivo models of C. difficile infection. Lumen has also demonstrated that intranasal administration of a spirulina-manufactured neutralizing antibody can prevent disease by a respiratory pathogen, SARS-CoV-2, in a hamster model. Lumen’s current pipeline includes therapeutics to treat or prevent C. difficile infection, COVID-19, inflammatory bowel disease, cardiometabolic disease, and traveler’s diarrhea. Lumen deploys strategies to maximize the expression of these therapeutics for optimal dose sizing, a key limiting factor with past food crop-based expression systems. Spirulina can express exogenous proteins at unusually high levels (>15% of dry weight) but reaching this maximum value requires optimization of multiple interacting factors. We describe our current statistics design of experiments approach that optimizes these factors with minimal replicates. This maximizes exogenous protein expression allowing Lumen to generate spirulina-based therapeutics for a rapidly expanding range of medical uses.

Heinnickel, Mark↗
NASA NTRS1992

Testing a Mars science outpost in the Antarctic dry valleys

Field research conducted in the Antarctic has been providing insights about the nature of Mars in the science disciplines of exobiology and geology. Located in the McMurdo Dry Valleys of southern Victoria Land (160 deg and 164 deg E longitude and 76 deg 30 min and 78 deg 30 min S latitude), research outposts are inhabited by teams of 4-6 scientists. It is proposed that the design of these outposts be expanded to enable meaningful tests of many of the systems that will be needed for the successful conduct of exploration activities on Mars. Although there are some important differences between the environment in the Antarctic dry valleys and on Mars, the many similarities and particularly the field science activities, make the dry valleys a useful terrestrial analog to conditions on Mars. Three areas have been identified for testing at a small science outpost in the dry valleys: (1) studying human factors and physiology in an isolated environment; (2) testing emerging technologies (e.g. innovative power management systems, advanced life support facilities including partial bioregenerative life support systems for water recycling and food growth, telerobotics, etc.); and (3) conducting basic scientific research that will enhance understanding of Mars while contributing to the planning for human exploration. It is suggested that an important early result of a Mars habitat program will be the experience gained by interfacing humans and their supporting technology in a remote and stressful environment.

Andersen, D. T.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Preliminary design of a universal Martian lander

In the next 25 years, mankind will be undertaking yet another giant leap forward in the exploration of the solar system: a manned mission to Mars. This journey will provide important information on the composition and history of both Mars and the Solar System. A manned mission will also provide the opportunity to study how humans can adapt to long term space flight conditions and the Martian environment. As part of the NASA/USRA program, nineteen West Virginia University students conducted a preliminary design of a manned Universal Martian Lander (UML). The UML's design will provide a 'universal' platform, consisting of four modules for living and laboratory experiments and a liquid-fuel propelled Manned Ascent Return Vehicle (MARV). The distinguishing feature of the UML is the 'universal' design of the modules which can be connected to form a network of laboratories and living quarters for future missions thereby reducing development and production costs. The WVU design considers descent to Mars from polar orbit, a six month surface stay, and ascent for rendezvous. The design begins with an unmanned UML landing at Elysium Mons followed by the manned UML landing nearby. During the six month surface stay, the eight modules will be assembled to form a Martian base where scientific experiments will be performed. The mission will also incorporate hydroponic plant growth into a Controlled Ecological Life Support System (CELSS) for water recycling, food production, and to counteract psychological effects of living on Mars. In situ fuel production for the MARV will be produced from gases in the Martian atmosphere. Following surface operations, the eight member crew will use the MARV to return to the Martian Transfer Vehicle (MTV) for the journey home to Earth.

Norman, Timothy L.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Meals for the Elderly

The aim of Skylab's multi-agency cooperative project was to make simple but nutritious space meals available to handicapped and otherwise homebound senior adults, unable to take advantage of existing meal programs sponsored by federal, state and private organizations. As a spinoff of Meal Systems for the Elderly, commercial food processing firms are now producing astronaut type meals for public distribution. Company offers variety of freeze dried foods which are reconstituted by addition of water, and "retort pouch" meals which need no reconstitution, only heating. The retort pouch is an innovative flexible package that combines the advantage of boil-in bag and metal can. Foods retain their flavor, minerals and vitamins can be stored without refrigeration and are lightweight for easy transportation.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1993

The Preliminary Design of a Universal Martian Lander

As part of the NASA/USRA program, nineteen West Virginia University students conducted a preliminary design of a manned Universal Martian Lander (UML). The WVU design considers descent to Mars from polar orbit, a six month surface stay, and ascent for rendezvous. The design begins with an unmanned UML landing at Elysium Mons followed by the manned UML landing nearby. During the six month surface stay, the eight modules are assembled to form a Martian base where scientific experiments are performed. The mission also incorporates hydroponic plant growth into a Controlled Ecological Life Support System (CELSS) for water recycling, food production, and to counteract psycho-logical effects of living on Mars. In situ fuel production for the Martian Ascent and Rendezvous Vehicle (MARV) is produced From gases in the Martian atmosphere. Following surface operations, the eight member crew uses the MARV to return to the Martian Transfer Vehicle (MTV) for the journey home to Earth.

Norman, Timothy L.↗
NASA NTRS2006

STS-121/Discovery L-3 Countdown Status Briefing

The briefing started with opening remarks from George Diller (NASA Public Affairs). Jeff Spaulding (NASA Test Director) discussed the Shuttle launch status and the return to the International Space Station 12 day mission. Debbie Hahn (STS-121 Payload Manager) discussed the installation of mid-decks on ISS and the 2 tons of cargo (mainly crew supplies and food) and the oxygen regeneration system. Kathy Winters (Shuttle Weather Officer) discussed the weather forecast for the launch. The team also answered questions from the press.

Source record↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Microbiology of Human Spacecraft Environments

Microbiology and Space Missions - Astronaut health - Spaceflight foods - Vehicle habitat - Life support systems - Trash and human waste containment - Astronaut hygiene areas - Planetary protection - How do we protect the crew and extraterrestrial environments in our search for life on other planets? These priority areas for microbiology drive vehicle design, microbial monitoring, and operational research efforts

C. Mark Ott↗