Design and Operation Overview of 4-person 180-day Integrated Experiment in Controlled Ecological Life Support System
Objective To explore the key technologies of integrated bio-regenerative and physical-chemical regenerative life support system,and investigate the performance of the Controlled Ecological Life Support System( CELSS) with multiple crews in long-term experiment,and to meet the engineering demands of life support system application in extraterrestrial base. Methods A closed ecological-cycle experiment platform with environment control,material-circulation and life support application was established. Based on the CELSS platform,this study assessed the material-circulation and its dynamic balance regulation when the life support function changed from physical-chemical regeneration to bio-regeneration through 40 d simulated and 180 d manned experiments. Results The long-term results of total 220 d experiments indicated that the environment parameters were controlled under the safe level,and the effective and independent control of the environment for crew and plant survival was achieved. During the 180 d manned experiment,the material-circulation kept at a steady state and achieved high-effective regeneration rate,including 100% atmospheric and 100% water regeneration rate,55% food closure rate and 87. 7% solid waste recycle rate. Conclusion The long-term integrated experiment verified the entire process of CELSS integrated technologies,covering design,construction and operation. It accumulated valuable engineering experience for the future technology development and application.