Successful realisation of the Arthrospira-C experiment at the MUSC
- MUSC has found, that Cyanobacteria are able to produce oxygen and edible biomass under microgravity conditions.
- The Experiment can be regarded as a breakthrough in the search of an appropriate food supply for long-term missions to moon or mars.
- As part of the MELiSSA project, the experiment contributes to the creation of sustainable circulation systems for space missions.
- Focus: Biology, Circulation Systems, Life Support Systems, Space Travel
A glimpse into the future of space biology
The groundbreaking Arthrospira-C experiment was successfully carried out at the Microgravity User Support Centre (MUSC) at the DLR site in Cologne-Porz. The aim of the experiment was to investigate the ability of cyanobacteria (Limnospira indica, also known as spirulina) to produce oxygen and edible biomass under the special conditions of microgravity. The experiments took place in a specially developed bioreactor that enables continuous growth. This was equipped with precise light and nutrient supply systems and monitored by the MUSC for the entire duration of the mission.
Scientific significance
The experiment provides important findings for the development of regenerative life support systems in space. The results show that Arthrospira not only produces oxygen stably, but could also serve as a food source in closed systems - a decisive step for long-term missions to the moon or Mars.
Technical masterpiece
The MUSC team coordinated the entire mission preparation, operations on board the ISS and data analysis. State-of-the-art remote monitoring and control methods were used. The experiment is part of the long-term MELiSSA project, which is developing sustainable circulation systems for space missions.
A special thank you
The MUSC team would like to thank all the national and international partners who contributed to the success of this experiment. With this progress, we are paving the way for future generations of astronauts and the exploration of new worlds.