Utilization of Microalgae in Space Technologies

Self-sufficiency of human crews during long-term space missions is one of the current challenges of space research. A key element in addressing this issue lies in bioregenerative life support systems, which employ photosynthetic organisms (such as plants, microalgae, or cyanobacteria) to recycle crew waste products, produce oxygen and food, and absorb carbon dioxide—thus forming the basis of a sustainable ecosystem within a spacecraft or space station. Our research group is contributing to the preparation of the METRO experiment (MEtabolic gases TRansfer for Optimised algae growth), which will be carried out on the International Space Station (ISS) during the mission of Czech astronaut Aleš Svoboda at the turn of 2027/2028. The aim of the experiment is to study gas transfer between the liquid phase (algal culture medium) and the gaseous phase (ISS atmosphere) in microgravity, and its impact on microalgae growth. The data obtained will enable the design of efficient photobioreactors for use in space missions. These systems are expected to ensure continuous oxygen and food production through carbon dioxide recycling, thereby contributing to the self-sufficiency of crews aboard spacecraft.