Papers by Tarun Bandemegala
Materials research proceedings, Jun 1, 2024
53rd International Conference on Environmental Systems , 2024
Sustainable crop cultivation in space holds paramount significance for the support of life in fut... more Sustainable crop cultivation in space holds paramount significance for the support of life in future long-duration missions. This research explores the development and integration of innovative low-cost proof-of-concept (LC-POC) plant growth cabinets tailored for use in space analog missions. By outlining past and current efforts in space farming, this study introduces the Space Controlled Environment Agriculture (SpaCEA) Cabinet using the BRIDGES framework, establishing a context for reproducible experiments and innovation in plant growth systems. The SpaCEA cabinets can either be delivered in flat packs or assembled on-site, employing distributed additive and subtractive manufacturing technologies, such as 3D printing and laser cutting. The main objective is to assess how effectively these structures foster crop growth within analog environments while replicating conditions crucial for space exploration. Employing a multi-faceted approach encompassing technical and qualitative dimensions, this project integrates a qualitative investigation where representatives managing analog stations and analog astronauts will partake in interviews
53rd International Conference on Environmental Systems, 2024
As humanity progresses toward establishing permanent settlements on the lunar surface and Mars, t... more As humanity progresses toward establishing permanent settlements on the lunar surface and Mars, the demand for precise Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) systems becomes increasingly critical. This underscores the necessity to address key technological gaps to bolster the long-term reliability of Space Farming (SF) systems. The BRIDGES methodology is introduced as a strategic and practical approach to tackle inherent reproducibility issues and the extensive data demands in this field. This sets the foundation for understanding the current capabilities of SF research and its transition towards a fully bio-regenerative system independent of physicochemical (PC) processes. A framework called SpaCEA is proposed to standardize the integration of CEA into a space environment, specifically outlining standardization for Illumination Systems (ILS), Atmosphere Management Systems (AMS), Nutrient Delivery Systems (NDS), and the Greenhouse Control Unit (GCU). While the physical implementation may differ among designs, practical operation ranges are defined to aggregate data between designs for future control system development and to ensure operational performance in production. This encompasses varying levels of automation, models, software and hardware solutions, and their integration with existing simulation tools, economic models, and broader habitation systems. In conclusion, the utilization of BRIDGES offers a robust solution in the form of an oriented methodology, to anticipate significant strides towards sustainable and responsive space farming. Thus, this study identifies potential opportunities within the scope of SF and highlights its potential to revolutionize space exploration, paving the way for human self-reliance beyond Earth's boundaries.
51st International Conference on Environmental Systems, 2022
Establishing sustainable architectures beyond existing environmental control and life support sys... more Establishing sustainable architectures beyond existing environmental control and life support systems (ECLSS) into closed ecological environments is of utmost importance for long duration human spaceflight. BRIDGES facilitates the progress from regenerative physicochemical processes to a modular hybrid framework that incorporates a new system; biological life. Modular systems will support scalability and enable increased system closure in both ground-based analogs and reduced gravity environments. This approach seeks to characterize the dominant gas and water dynamics in the microclimate surrounding microgreens by monitoring them in small controlled volumes in test environments. Microgreens are quick and practical sources of edible biomass with high nutritional value, ease of handling, short seed-to-feed period, and minimal resource requirements. Envisioning sensor specifications, locations, and frequency of data acquisition will be the immediate focus to determine the degree of time sensitivity required for autonomous or human response to adverse conditions. Understanding the impact on the ECLSS control algorithm and cultivation feedback loops will be critical for future design considerations that can accommodate the needs of all life. In turn this increases the safety of the crew by detecting and overcoming faults, failures or other issues that will reinforce overall system reliability. In summation, BRIDGES aims to standardize the evolution of life support systems using smart agriculture to establish a ground control setup with capabilities such as data acquisition, controls and automation, systemic impact, and risk mitigation. This will lead to a better understanding of synergies between the built environment and the natural environment before introducing ecological habitats on the Moon and Mars.
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Papers by Tarun Bandemegala