Recent advances on ISRU technologies and study of microgravity impact on blood cells for deep space exploration
Year: 2023
Authors: Cao G.C.M., Concas A., Orru R., Licheri R., Sani E., Dell’Oro A., Fais G., Manis C., Manca A., Uras G., Caboni P., Locci AM., Cincotti A., Lai N., Congiu T., Faa G., Pisu M., Brelstaff G., Pantaleo A.
Autors Affiliation: Univ Cagliari, Dipartimento Ingn Meccan Chim & Materiali, Cagliari, Italy; Ctr Adv Studies Res & Dev Sardinia, CRS4, Cagliari, Italy; Sardinia Aerosp Dist DASS, Cagliari, Italy; CNR INO Ist Nazl Ott, Florence, Italy; Ist Nazl Astrofis INAF, Osservatorio Astrofisico Arcetri, Florence, Italy; Univ Cagliari, Dept Life & Environm Sci, Cittadella Univ Monserrato, Monserrato, Italy; Univ Sassari, Dept Biomed Sci, Sassari, Italy; UCL, Inst Neurol, Dept Clin & Movement Neurosci, London, England; Univ Cagliari, Dept Med Sci & Publ Hlth, Monserratos Campus, Monserrato, Italy.
Abstract: The long-term solution to problems like overcrowding, fossil fuel depletion, climate change, and decreasing natural resource availability could be overcome through space colonization and human presence in space, as well as the exploitation of extraterrestrial natural resources. In keeping with this, the objective of this work is to analyze current advancements in technology development for deep space exploration and colonization made by our research team as well as by other organizations with which we are collaborating. First, a method for producing tangible goods suited for industrial or civil installations on the Moon, Mars, or asteroids, using in situ available regolith as the main resource, is discussed. In this regard, a new process based on the occurrence of self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) reactions was developed for the fabrication of composite ceramics to be used as construction materials. A theoretical analysis of the process using proper dimensionless numbers is also described to offer potential explanations of the key experimental evidences presented in the relevant literature. For instance, it is found that free convection likely plays a crucial role to make SHS front velocity higher under terrestrial conditions when the reaction ignition is carried out from the bottom side, instead of the top side, of reacting mixture. Next, a method that uses the atmosphere and regolith of Mars as raw feedstock to produce in situ useful material such as oxygen, water, food, fuels and fertilizers, is considered. In the next section, the potential for cultivating Spirulina platensis to provide nourishment for the Martian crew is examined. The possible use of sintered lunar regolith simulants such as JSC-1A is also considered for potential thermal energy storage and solar energy harvesting applications, within the context of resource exploitation. Sintered regolith simulant exhibited, compared to the native material in powder form, superior solar absorptance, which makes it suitable for sunlight absorbers in architectures with a cavity-like solar receiver. Finally, a new study is reported which combines biochemical and biophysical approaches in order to compare, under simulated microgravity and under terrestrial conditions, the functioning and structure of red blood cells, over various intervals of time.
Journal/Review: FRONTIERS IN SPACE TECHNOLOGIES
Volume: 4 Pages from: 1146461-1 to: 1146461-14
More Information: This work has been developed within the framework of the project e. INS-Ecosystem of Innovation for Next Generation Sardinia (cod. ECS 00000038) funded by the Italian Ministry for Research and Education (MUR) under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP)-MISSION 4 COMPONENT 2, From research to business INVESTMENT 1.5, Creation and strengthening of Ecosystems of innovation and construction of Territorial R & D Leaders. The SMS-Space Manufacturing in-situ-Realizzazione in contesti spaziali di manufatti project (cod. ARS01_01361), sponsored by the Italian Ministry of Education, University and Research, Italy (Cod. CUP: B25F21001330005), is also acknowledged.KeyWords: ISRU; ISFR; effect of microgravity; deep space exploration; process developmentDOI: 10.3389/frspt.2023.1146461Citations: 1data from “WEB OF SCIENCE” (of Thomson Reuters) are update at: 2025-01-12References taken from IsiWeb of Knowledge: (subscribers only)