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The amazing workings of life support systems: Where do oxygen, food and water in space come from?
Surviving in extreme environments is one of mankind's challenges, especially in space, a realm full of danger and unknowns. The existence of life support systems is undoubtedly one of the key technologies that make space exploration possible. These systems not only provide oxygen, food and water, but also maintain appropriate body pressure and prevent waste products produced by the body from affecting the health of the astronauts.
The design of life support systems is very complex and must take into account the effects of various external factors, including radiation, micrometeoroids and temperature changes.
For astronauts on space missions, the supply of oxygen, food and water are basic needs to maintain life. According to general estimates, each astronaut needs about 5 kilograms of oxygen, water and food per day. After these substances are consumed by the human body, corresponding wastes will be produced, such as carbon dioxide and liquid and solid waste. This raises a question: How to effectively recycle these resources in a completely closed space environment?
Oxygen supply in space
Life support systems in outer space need to maintain an oxygenated environment. The environment in which astronauts work in space often requires maintaining a safe oxygen concentration in a limited space. Excessively high oxygen concentrations can lead to poisoning, so modern spacecraft generally choose a mixed air (nitrogen/oxygen) solution, while pure oxygen is used during space walks.
Maintaining proper oxygen concentrations is an important measure to prevent fires and accidents.
Water recycling and use
How water is used in space is particularly important. Astronauts need water not only for drinking, but also for cleaning and regulating body temperature. Since there is no water source in space missions, existing technology requires the reuse of water resources by recycling wastewater and exhaled water vapor. Future missions to the Moon and Mars could potentially tap into local water sources to sustain basic human needs.
Future water sources may come from polar ice on the Moon or ice deposits on Mars.
Food supply
With the deepening of space exploration, mankind has found that food supply problems have become a major challenge. While all space missions today still use provided food, plant cultivation systems may be introduced in the future to allow astronauts to grow their own food in space. This not only increases the supply of food, but also regenerates water and oxygen at the same time, improving self-sufficiency.
If this system can be realized, it will be a major breakthrough in knowledge and technology.
Gravity and astronauts’ health
During long-term space missions, the lack of gravity will affect human health, possibly leading to osteoporosis and muscle atrophy. One way to solve this problem is to create artificial gravity, which can be achieved through continuous in-cabin rotation or constant propulsive motion. The capsule must be designed to support the application of these technologies.
Through engineering technology, we can simulate the natural environment of the earth and allow astronauts to live healthily in space.
Progress in space station life support systems
As space technology continues to develop, orbiting space stations such as the International Space Station (ISS) have also evolved. These systems need to not only deal with human waste, but also efficiently collect air and re-stabilize living environments. Every technological breakthrough pushes the limits of human understanding and exploration of space.
Experiments and future development directions
Different experimental life support systems are under development, such as the European Space Agency's microbial life support system and other systems utilizing cyanobacteria, with the ultimate goal of enabling Earth-independent life on alien planets. In addition, the development of these technologies also lays the foundation for future habitable planets or other space bases for long-term human habitation.
Space life is no longer a plot in science fiction novels. Advances in technology have made it possible.
On the road to exploring space, the challenge of maintaining life is ever-present. Relative to the Earth, we face an extremely harsh and unpredictable environment. Can perfect self-sufficiency be truly achieved in this super project?
