Cited by 2Spaceflight effects on biologyAlgal biology and biofuel productionSpace Science and Extraterrestrial Life

The DOI matches its Crossref record; none of the 26 sources its claims cite is checked for support yet.

Space Algae-2 Ground and Lunar Analog Studies in Preparation for Long-Duration Propagation of Cyanobacteria in Spaceflight

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Fisher, Katherine E., Saban, Kristen E., Broddrick, Jared T., Settles, A. Mark·2024·53rd International Conference on Environmental Systems

Abstract

There are numerous applications for microalgae in spaceflight missions and on Earth, such as, oxygen production, carbon dioxide removal, nutrition, wastewater processing, and biofuel production. Space Algae-2 aims to test the genetic stability of Arthrospira platensis, commonly known as spirulina, during six-months of continuous culture in spaceflight on the International Space Station. Long-duration exposure to ionizing radiation and microgravity may impact growth, nutrient composition, and genetic stability. The high protein, vitamin, antioxidant content, and radiation resistance make spirulina a promising candidate for bioregenerative life support systems during long-duration missions. A concept of operations was developed to grow and harvest algal biomass in space. Preflight testing experiments were conducted to optimize conditions for an extended growth period in a gas permeable bioreactor bag. Preflight and post-harvest storage methods were developed in addition to a novel cryopreservation method. After sample return, multi-omics analysis will be conducted to determine the mutation rate, gene expression, and protein and metabolite profile. The concept of operations for Space Algae-2 was tested at HI-SEAS (Hawai'i Space Exploration Analog and Simulation) during a six-day lunar analog mission (EMMIHS23, EuroMoonMars, International MoonBase Alliance, HI-SEAS, 2023). A. platensis was grown in the semi-controlled environment using flight-like hardware and solar powered LED lights. Then, the biomass was harvested and used to supplement bread as an example of A. platensis utilization. Overall, the data collected from Space Algae-2 will inform potential bioengineering of spirulina for space and terrestrial applications.

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Crossref · 10.32865/2346/98877

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  • It may state two separate claims as one. 43
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  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Missions with little or no resupply require fresh nutrients and reduced mass.

    “Fresh nutrients and reduced mass are essential for missions with little to no re-supply.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Spirulina is generally recognized as a food-safe microbe (GRAS) by the FDA.

    “Today, spirulina is consumed as a food additive and supplement, and is generally regarded as a food-safe microbe (GRAS designation) by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Microgravity and ionizing radiation are the main abiotic stressors in space.

    “The main sources of abiotic stress in space are microgravity and ionizing radiation.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Space-grown organisms have shown new phenotypes in growth cycle, cell morphology, and metabolic activity.

    “Organisms grown in space have exhibited novel phenotypes in growth cycle, cell morphology and metabolic activity.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Short high-dose radiation experiments may not represent how organisms respond to long-duration, low-dose radiation in low Earth orbit or deep space.

    “Transient high dose radiation experiments may not accurately represent organism responses to long-duration, low dose radiation from either low Earth orbit or deep space.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Long-duration ionizing radiation and microgravity exposure may affect growth, nutrient composition, and genetic stability.

    “Long-duration exposure to ionizing radiation and microgravity may impact growth, nutrient composition, and genetic stability.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Results from ground and lunar analog studies predict how the cyanobacterial cultures will behave in actual spaceflight and microgravity.

    “The low temperature and light allowed cultures to grow slowly and reach high density; a similar trend is expected in spaceflight.”
    “FEP bags are simple, reliable bioreactors for A. platensis and will provide containment during spaceflight with sufficient gas exchange.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    A 14-day culture period will allow a sustained culture duration of 5–6 months.

    “To limit crew time and achieve a sustained culture duration of 5-6 months, the culture period for Space Algae-2 was lengthened to 14 days.”
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Research works printed but not linked: 35

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Metadata

Authors
Fisher, K. E., Saban, K. E., Broddrick, J. T., & Settles, A. M.
Affiliations
  • Ames Research Center (US)
  • University of Arizona (US)
Venue
53rd International Conference on Environmental Systems
Published
2024-07-21
OpenAlex
W7160271677
Cited by
2
References
0
Citations by year
2026: 2
FWCI
5.99
Type
conference paper
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • International Conference on Environmental Systems (ICES) (publishedVersion)
  • ThinkTech (Texas Tech University) (submittedVersion)
Funders
  • National Aeronautics and Space Administration
  • University of Minnesota
  • Ames Research Center
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Physiology (medical) › Spaceflight effects on biology
  • Physical Sciences › Energy › Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment › Algal biology and biofuel production
  • Physical Sciences › Physics and Astronomy › Astronomy and Astrophysics › Space Science and Extraterrestrial Life
Keywords
Spirulina platensis, Spirulina, cyanobacteria, long-duration spaceflight, bioregenerative life support, ionizing radiation effects, microgravity, genetic stability, cryopreservation, algal harvesting, oxygen production, multi-omics, mutation rate, gene expression, metabolite profiling

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