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Completed TRL 6 (started at 4, targeting 6)
The Enabling In-situ Resource Utilization in Space Through Gas Fermentation demonstration will evaluate a membrane-based bioreactor (MBR) designed to convert methane into polyhydoxybutyrate (PHA) biopolymer. This could enable sustainable additive manufacturing in space using in-situ resources. The objectives of a parabolic flight test with Zero Gravity Corporation are to optimize, adapt, and evaluate the MBR system’s mass transfer in microgravity. The flight test will also determine the most efficient of two types of hollow fiber membranes.
Problem Statement
Sustainable additive manufacturing in space requires a polymer that can be created from available in situ resources. Gas-fed fermentations could be a key solution to this challenge, however, the rate of gas dissolutionis limiting in most systems and current methods rely on gravity and hydrostatic pressure.
Technology Maturation
Flight tests will validate the membrane-based bioreactor’s mass transfer capabilities in reduced gravity, advancing the technology to TRL 5. Specifically, this demonstration will evaluate the MBR’s method of gas dissolution that does not rely on gravity and uses hydrophobic, dense, and hollow-fiber membranes. As methane is readily available in any space habitation, this system could enable sustainable in-situ manufacturing.
Summary of Flight Test
2023/12/04 & 2024/03/05 During these parabolic tests, we have validated that the gas delivery performance of a Membrane-Based Bioreactor is sufficient to support fermentation in the relevant reduced gravity environments of Martian, Lunar and Microgravity. This gas-delivery technology is key to enabling biopolymer to be produced from in-situ methane resources available in space on long-term missions and is also applicable to the production of other bioproducts with gaseous substrates.
This highly versatile membrane-based bioreactor would significantly reduce supplies needed from Earth for 3D printing. By converting in-situ methane into a biopolymer, this technology creates a sustainable feedstock for in-space additive manufacturing. This would benefit NASA missions and the commercial space industry.
Future Customers
•Crewed long-duration space exploration missions
•Potential for integration in the International Space Station’s Environmental Control and Life Support System
•Lunar surface habitats
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