Chlorella vulgaris: The Algae Revolution in Space
How do you produce food and oxygen in space? A tiny, microscopic algae called Chlorella vulgaris could play a key role in future space missions, potentially transforming how we sustain life in outer space.
Chlorella vulgaris, though only about 4 to 10 micrometers in diameter, is a powerhouse in the world of algae. This single-celled green algae grows quickly, requires little space and water, produces oxygen, and is rich in proteins. These qualities make it an ideal candidate for experiments aimed at developing life support systems for manned space missions. These systems are designed to provide astronauts with food, oxygen, and other essential resources while in space.
Since 2015, the Institute of Space Systems at the University of Stuttgart, in collaboration with the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and Airbus Defence and Space, has been researching the potential of Chlorella vulgaris in space. Their goal is to cultivate the algae aboard the International Space Station (ISS) using specialized photobioreactor chambers.
Space Experiments with Algae: Growing Oxygen and Food in Space
In November 2018, Chlorella vulgaris was cultivated in two photobioreactor chambers aboard the ISS, each about 40 x 20 cm in size. Over the course of six months, scientists observed how the algae reacted to the extreme conditions of space, including microgravity and cosmic radiation. The central question: Can algae cultures be used in the future to extract oxygen from carbon dioxide and generate edible biomass to support astronauts during long space missions?
The algae receive light for photosynthesis from red and blue LED lights, which mimic sunlight. Carbon dioxide enters the chambers through a membrane, and the oxygen produced by the algae is released back into the spacecraft. Astronauts add a nutrient medium to the system every two weeks, and a specially developed device allows them to remove the excess algae biomass for further analysis.
Challenges and the Future of Algae in Space
Research into Chlorella vulgaris, a freshwater algae, is of great importance for future space missions. The current system produces around 0.8 grams of oxygen per day—significantly less than what an astronaut consumes in a minute. However, the experiment serves as an important first step in proving the potential of algae in space exploration.
Researchers are confident that algae could play a central role in life support systems in space habitats. "Ultimately, large reactors could be designed to be integrated into the walls of moon or Mars stations," says project leader Gisela Detrell. "We want to demonstrate that it works and build on this research."
Another advantage of the green freshwater algae is that, due to its high protein content, it can potentially serve as food for astronauts. Although the further processing of the biomass into food has not yet been explored in the current experiment, it is fundamentally possible. This could reduce the need for food on space missions, making the system even more sustainable and closed. It is estimated that about 30 percent of an astronaut’s food could be replaced by algae biomass.
In the coming years, algae like Chlorella vulgaris could help operate sustainable, closed-loop systems for long-duration space travel, making the exploration of distant planets more feasible than ever before.
ZeaLite Connection: Chlorella for Home
What is being tested in space can also benefit life on Earth. Our ZeaLite AlgaeTower also uses Chlorella vulgaris for air purification and oxygen production—a sustainable technology inspired by space exploration. What started as a vision for space is now a sustainable companion for your home.
Welcome to the future of biotechnology. Welcome to ZeaLite.
Sources:
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German Aerospace Center (DLR):
DLR. (2019, May 3). Photobioreactor ready for launch to the International Space Station. Retrieved from https://www.dlr.de/en/latest/news/2019/02/20190503_photobioreactor-ready-for-launch-to-the-international-space-station -
European Space Agency (ESA):
ESA. (2019, June 6). PhotoBioreactor. Retrieved from https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2019/06/PhotoBioreactor -
Airbus Defence and Space:
Airbus. (2019, April 4). Photobioreactor: Oxygen and a source of nutrition for astronauts. Retrieved from https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2019-04-photobioreactor-oxygen-and-a-source-of-nutrition-for-astronauts