Design and evaluation of a miniaturized bioregenerative microecosystem for CubeSat missions

Bioregenerative Life Support Systems (BLSS) are a key emerging technology to enable long term space exploration. However, small-scale implementations are difficult to realize and their behavior under space conditions remains scarcely investigated. This study aims at developing and evaluating the smallest selfsustaining, controlled microecosystem suitable for deployment as a CubeSat payload. The system integrates a closed habitat hosting autotrophic (mosses) and heterotrophic (soil micro-arthropods) organisms, along with electronics for environmental monitoring and control. The microecosystem was tested over a 120-day isolation period under laboratory conditions. Tests and simulations of space conditions were also performed. Experimental results demonstrate survival and stability of the biological components during the four-month period, along with successful activation and maintenance of CO2 cycling via artificial stimuli. CO2 levels decreased from 20000 ppm to 5000 ppm through fixation in plant tissue. Oscillations of 500 ppm were observed with periods of 20, 9, 7 and 1 days. Simulated responses to satellite launch indicated no structural failure, with the maximum stress not exceeding the ultimate strength. Results suggest that small-scale biological modules are optimal candidates for experiments aboard CubeSat-class satellites. Insights from this study may support the development of space BLSSs and inform ecological responses to environmental stressors.