Exploring Biomimetic Applications for Sustainable Lunar Habitats: Harnessing Nature’s Solutions for the Moon

Duran-Aquino R.C.; Cuba-Vargas K.; Santiago J.J.B.; Inga A.J.V. · Proceedings of the International Astronautical Congress, IAC (2025) · DOI: 10.52202/083093-0050

Resumen

The establishment of sustainable human presence on the Moon necessitates the development of advanced closed-loop life support systems (LSS) that ensure efficient recycling of water, air revitalization, and waste management. Terrestrial biological mechanisms, refined through billions of years of evolution, offer robust models for engineered systems in lunar habitats. This comprehensive review examines critical terrestrial processes including photosynthetic oxygen generation by higher plants, microalgae, and cyanobacteria; microbial degradation and nutrient recycling; and hydroponic and aquatic systems for water management. These processes collectively form the foundation of bioregenerative life support systems (BLSS) and closed ecological life support systems (CELSS). The integration of these biological processes with complementary physicochemical technologies is thoroughly discussed, along with the significant challenges and future research directions required to create reliable, self-sustaining habitats in extraterrestrial environments. Findings from major terrestrial analogs including Biosphere 2, MELiSSA, and BIOS-3 demonstrate the feasibility of achieving high material closure through biological approaches, though substantial technological hurdles remain regarding system stability in lunar conditions, biocontainment, and integration with in-situ resource utilization strategies. Copyright

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos; Universidad Científica del Sur; Universidad Continental