Aquaponics as a Food Source for Long-Term Interplanetary and Lunar Expeditions

Poster Image
Event poster; details follow in description
Poster Session
D
Poster Number
03
Project Author(s)
Brooke Brown, Carrie Chan, Clement Forbes, Noah Ford, Izikaula Huntley, Adrian A. Jimenez, Taylor L. Lohrie, Faye Nieman, Ethan Stouder, Wolfgang,
Institution
Portland Community College | OSGC Undergraduate Team Experience Award
Project Description

The goal of this project was the development of a fully automated and self-regulating aquaponic system that could withstand the environmental constraints associated with space travel. Under investigation for this first project iteration was the viability of a system to produce algae in a closed environment through optimization of a current aquaponic system at the PCC-Southeast campus. During the initial phases of the project (November 12, 2019-March 2020), we drafted and finalized a design for a terrestrial aquaponic system. We intended on optimizing the system and using it as a baseline for the design of a space-ready system. The system included two tanks in which we would cultivate algae and tilapia. From these tanks, nutrient-rich water would flow out into containers growing strawberries, bok choy, lettuce, and other plants (depending largely on the time of year we initiated growth) before re-entering the tanks. Unfortunately, as we were to begin construction, the COVID-19 pandemic forced us to put the project on hold. Now, the Portland Community College campus is still closed, and construction will not be viable for the foreseeable future. We are now focusing on the future of the project, with the hope that our design can be utilized by future research groups at PCC.