Scientists are set to embark on a 14-day mission to develop a life assist system in area with the pioneering initiative of Türkiye’s first-ever manned area mission, coinciding with the a hundredth anniversary of the Republic, carried out in collaboration between the Turkish Space Agency (TUA) and TUBITAK Space Technologies Research Institute.
Berat Haznedaroğlu, a Faculty Member at Boğaziçi University’s Institute of Environmental Sciences, has assumed a pivotal position on this extraordinary mission. He disclosed that the first focus of their work revolves round harnessing the distinctive properties of microalgae to transform carbon dioxide into oxygen, thus laying the muse for a sustainable life assist system within the difficult setting of area.
Under the banner of the “Microalgal Life Support Units for Space Missions” challenge, this endeavor goals to assemble a strong life assist infrastructure able to sustaining development and endurance checks in non-gravitational situations. Scientists intend to meticulously scrutinize the metabolic adjustments exhibited by microalgae species throughout their time in area. Furthermore, they search to gauge the carbon dioxide, seize effectivity and oxygen manufacturing capabilities of those resilient microalgae species, which have been specifically tailored to face up to Earth’s harshest situations.
Researchers have recognized 5 distinct microalgae species to be dispatched into area as a part of the experiment’s scope. Haznedaroğlu and his group have mentioned with Türkiye’s inaugural area vacationers, Alper Gezeravcı and Tuva Cihangir Atasever, offering a complete overview of the groundbreaking challenge.
Elaborating on the mission’s intricate procedures, Haznedaroğlu acknowledged, “We will enhance the space station’s carbon dioxide levels and channel it to the microalgae photosynthetic unit. Within this unit, we have carefully chosen microalgae species that are acclimatized to extreme living conditions, including those we isolated during the 4th National Antarctic Science Expedition in partnership with Medeniyet University. Over 14 days, we will closely monitor the microalgae’s performance in converting carbon dioxide to oxygen, employing a network of sensors. Simultaneously, we will conduct molecular analyses to decipher the metabolic shifts these microorganisms exhibit without gravity.”
The overarching goal of this short-term area mission is to determine probably the most adept microalgae species. These findings will subsequently pave the way in which for integrating these species into technological purposes for future area missions, addressing the various wants of astronauts and passengers alike.
To facilitate the experiment, a compact experimental dice measuring 20 cubic centimeters can be dispatched into orbit. The inside design of this equipment, together with its digital parts, will journey into area. The meticulous preparation of the microalgae samples and subsequent organic analyses are underway.
Moreover, Haznedaroğlu confirmed that each sensible and theoretical coaching had been accomplished for area vacationers, enabling them to simulate the experiment in a managed laboratory setting. Currently, the group is within the meeting part of the tools, with security checks slated to begin shortly.
Source: www.dailysabah.com
