Vol. 45, No. 1 Supplementum, 2001
BIOLOGICAL LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEMS: STUDIES ON BOARD THE ORBITAL SPACE COMPLEX "MIR"
Sychev, V. N., Shepelev, Ye. Ya., †Meleshko, G. I., Guryeva, T. S., Levinskikh, M. A., Podolsky, I. G., Dadasheva, O. A., Popov, V. V.
State Scientific Centre - Institute of Biomedical Problems
Khoroshevskoye shosse 76A
Moscow 123007
Russia
Summary
The study of organisms in space - candidate components of closed eco-systems of life support give us grounds to assert the feasibility of developing the life support system (LSS) based on the biological turnover of substances in manned spacecraft. Autotrophs are able to sustain normal functioning within LSS in the zero-gravity environment if the appropriate equipment is designed to offset the microgravity-induced changes in the ambient conditions and provide for plant organisms. The introduction of heterotrophs in space LSS is a more formidable problem since gravity is a sine qua non condition for innate reflexes and instincts of neonates, the absence of which creates grave difficulties for their life in microgravity.
Key words: complex "MIR"; biological life support system (BLSS)
References
Folia Veterinaria / 2001