A message from the Space
What is the connection between the Circular Economy practices and the life on the International Space Station (ISS)? It might be more significant than you think...
As described in the “Zero Waste” article, Earth is a closed system with finite resources. Its crew consists of its citizens and living species, it travels through the solar system providing sustenance for all who inhabit it. The same applies to the International Space Station (ISS)1 or a Spaceship. Resources like food, water, oxygen, fuel… are limited in Space (as we currently know it). Furthermore, there are no bins, landfills or incinerators available to dispose of waste.
The metaphor of “Spaceship Earth” dates to the end of the 19th century, but it is extremely relevant today.
“The ISS is orbiting 400 kilometres above Earth and everything must be transported from our planet (with strict weight limitations!). This means that astronauts need to conserve resources such as water and food, while also minimizing waste” (ESA, n.d.).
Does that sound familiar?
Life on the ISS can inspire good practices for us, on Earth as well. Indeed, many innovative strategies - please do read, Circular Economy practices - have been developed to ensure a prolonged and comfortable stay for astronauts, focusing on waste reduction and efficient use of available resources. In Space life, a Circular Economy is indispensable to survive for months, even years2.
The ISS is currently the most advanced system developed for Circular Economy practices (Di Puppo, 2024).
**Fun fact: the toothpaste astronauts use is edible! It can be swallowed after brushing. The astronauts must brush with their mouths as closed as possible to prevent the toothpaste from floating out due to the absence of gravity (ESA, n.d.).**
(Fresh) Water is a luxury in Space and … on Earth.
Water is precious on Earth, especially as we face rising temperatures and prolonged heatwaves. This concern becomes even greater in Space, where all drinkable water must be transported from Earth or recycled.
One of the most used technologies on the ISS is the system that recycles all types of liquids.
Currently, the ISS Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) recycles about 90% of all water-based liquids with ongoing studies to find technological solutions that allow for recovery as close to 100% as possible (Di Puppo, 2024).
Astronauts on the ISS drink recycled water, which primarily comes from their colleagues' sweat and exhaled breath. This moisture is collected as condensation on the walls of the Station. NASA has created a sophisticated Water Recovery System that includes filters and purifiers. It utilizes advanced dehumidifiers to capture moisture released into the cabin air from crew members' breath and sweat. Additionally, the system recovers water from urine using vacuum distillation and other methods (NASA, n.d.).
“The team acknowledges that the idea of drinking recycled urine might make some people squeamish. But they stress that the result is far superior to what municipal water systems produce on the ground.” (NASA, n.d.)
Everlasting solar energy.
Solar panels and radiators on the ISS are crucial for powering the Life Support Systems and conducting experiments on board (ISS National Laboratory, n.d.).
The first time a satellite has been powered by solar energy dated back to 1958 (Vanguard 1) and thanks to this, the mission could be prolonged till 1964!
Providing power to the ISS is vital, so engineers have devised a way to maximize solar energy by allowing the solar panels to adjust their position to consistently face the Sun. [Is this perpaphs nature-mimicry? ]. This solar power enables all the equipment on the Station to operate effectively.
Renewable energies, including photovoltaic power, are crucial on Earth in pursuing carbon-neutrality goals.
A glimpse into the future reveals the potential of space technologies for large-scale, clean energy production in the long run. This concept pivots around the development of space-based solar systems, which involve placing photovoltaic systems in Space and wirelessly transferring the energy they produce back to Earth. Researchers are currently working on solutions for energy transfer.
By harnessing solar energy in Space, we can overcome the limitations associated with terrestrial full-scale production. Currently, ground-based photovoltaic systems can only generate energy under specific conditions, such as during daylight hours and in the absence of clouds. Furthermore, about 30% of solar radiation does not reach Earth's surface, while in Space, there is continuous access to solar irradiation, making energy production far more efficient. Moreover, these systems could serve remote locations to supplement the terrestrial power transmission infrastructure required today (NASA, 2024).
“Veggie” for dinner.
Currently, on the ISS astronauts receive regular shipments of various freeze-dried and prepackaged meals to cover their dietary needs. As crews venture deeper into space for months or years without resupply, the vitamins in prepackaged foods can degrade, posing health risks (and generating waste). To address this, NASA is exploring ways to provide astronauts with nutrients from freshly grown fruits and vegetables through the “Veggie” project (Vegetable Production System). Veggie is a Space Garden about the size of a carry-on suitcase and holds six plants. Each plant grows in a "pillow" filled with clay-based growth medium and fertilizer, which helps distribute water, nutrients, and air evenly around the roots (NASA, n.d.).
Other studies are focusing on exploiting hydroponic systems as a way to grow vegetables not only on a spaceship or on the ISS but eventually also on the Moon (and beyond) - such as the Italian Green Cube project (ENEA, s.d.).
Food preservation and waste management are significant challenges for astronauts living in space habitats and during deep space travel. Current researches are focused on addressing the issue of food waste management, particularly through fermentation as a potential solution. Fermentation is one of the oldest methods of food preservation and involves the transformation of food by microorganisms. This process can help manage waste by preserving the nutritional value of fresh ingredients, repurposing food waste and cultivating new food sources and targeted nutrients (Coblentz, Ekblaw, et al, 2021).
Space solutions could enable the implementation of more water and energy-efficient farming systems on Earth, particularly in crisis areas where climate change is causing recurring droughts or flooding.
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Keywords: space, space-life, recycling, farming, space-based solar systems, nature mimicry
“The International Space Station is larger than a six-bedroom house with six sleeping quarters, two bathrooms, a gym, and a 360-degree view bay window. An international partnership of five space agencies from 15 countries operates the ISS. An international crew of seven people live and work while traveling at a speed of five miles per second, orbiting Earth about every 90 minutes. Sometimes more are aboard the station during a crew handover” (NASA, n.d.).
The Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko spent more than 878 total days in orbit, setting a new world record (Wired, 2024).