Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1958-04-20
Science Prepares
For Lengthy Trips

suggest the use OF plants 10 balance
the life cycle within the "terella,"
He noted that 10 establish success
fully this balance the plant Sc
lected must accomplish three OBJ
jectives: "l -, Provide a means
OF gas exchange between human
and plant. 90 provide a
source OF food by harvesting eX-
cess plant growth; 80 -. provide
a means OF disposal OF the liquid
and solid waste from the human"
DR., Cannes research indicated
that blue-green algae such as
chlorella (which abounds IN the
oceansl would be the most suit
able plant for use IN the closed
system OF a space cabin. Five
pounds OF these tiny single celled.
round plants-the lowest form OF
plant life-could satisfy the res
piratory cycle for one man ac-
cording TO experiments and studies
made by DR.. Jack Myers at the
University OF Texas for the School
OF Aviation Medicine. II further
studies continue TO show that an
algal system is the most effective
for holding the carbon dioxide
concentration down TO the proper
level. another important obstacle
will have been overcome.
DR.. Cannes report indicates
that studies by DR.. Myer and
others have shown that besides
supplying breathable air for the
space traveller, the five pounds of
chlorella would be more than SUI
ficient to supply food requirements
If the algae doubled in weight
every "a hours. Under certain
conditions, which could be main
tanned in space travel. chlorella
can double their growth as much
as IL times a day. The algae has
the highest protein content of any
plant as high as that found
in lean red meat. II contains
other nutrients and is readily
digestible and palatable. Accord
ing to DR.. Robert w. Kraus at
the University Of Maryland, chic
rella in its raw form tastes much
like lima beans. and DR.. Gaume
insists that There is no reason
why algae, when prepared ade-
quately for the table, cannot be
just as acceptable-yes, even as
tasty-aS spinach. broccoli and
other green vegetables"
The nutrient requirements for
algal growth are the same as those
required by higher forms of plant
life. and these are obtainable in
space in the form of human waste.
Thus the algal system would solve
the problem Of waste disposal in
the closed system of the space
cabin. The solid waste would be
converted into culture in which
chlorella may be grown.
Another Problem
While the cultivation OF algae
within the space cabin may pro-
vide the means Of supplying the
space traveller with air and food
and a method OF diSposing of
wastes. there still remains the
problem of water.
At the Goth annual meeting of
the Aero Medical Association held
here last month, the feasibility of
converting liquid waste into fresh
water was discussed by Capt. Will
lard Hawkins of the Department
OF Space Medicine in the School
of Aviation Medicine, Randolph
Air Force Base. In prolonged space
flight, such as a trip to Venus, DR..
Hawkins declared that the water
supply will. of necessity, include
procesSed waste.
There are many methods of
water publication that could be
used. DR.. Hawkins presently ia
vors distillation by means of a
solar still. The efficiency Of such
a system in space would be double
that on earth since there is a
great deal more solar energy
available.
In appearance, the solar still
would resemble a miniature
greenhouse. Solar energy shining
through the glass or plastic win
dow pane would heat up a shallow
depth of liquid. The water vapor
resulting would condense on the
inside Of the glass roof and then
run into collection trough.
Aversions to the recycling of
waste for space travel presents
mainly a problem in education,
according to DR.. Hawkins. He
soon expects to use human volun-
teers to test the best methods.