How is Spirulina cultivated for edible material generation in space?
Answer
In controlled photobioreactors using light and recycled water
The long-term vision for space nutrition focuses on onboard cultivation, and Spirulina fits this requirement well because it can be grown rapidly in controlled photobioreactors. These systems utilize light and recycled water to generate edible biomass efficiently. This method is far superior to traditional agriculture, which demands extensive soil, large volumes, and lengthy growing cycles. The ability of Spirulina to thrive in this closed-loop, resource-efficient environment makes it exciting for sustainable life support systems needed for deep-space expeditions like those heading to Mars.
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