Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #31316: Growing Life Support Systems in Space: MELiSSA’s Danish Mission

Life in space requires recycling—of air, water, and waste. The MELiSSA (Micro-Ecological Life Support System Alternative) project aims to create closed-loop systems mimicking Earth’s ecosystems. Onboard the Danish Utilisation flight, ESA researchers Natalie Leys and Felice Mastroleo tested microbial bioreactors that transform organic waste into usable resources like oxygen and nutrients.

This experiment examined microbial stability, efficiency, and adaptation under microgravity, crucial for long-term missions like those to Mars. The system includes a chain of bioreactors, each with specific bacteria processing waste at various stages. The key is ensuring all microbial species remain viable and effective even in space stress conditions.

MELiSSA isn't just a space experiment—it's a step toward sustainable living on Earth, offering models for waste recycling, water purification, and agricultural resilience. As we expand our reach into space, such bio-regenerative systems will be essential.

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