MELiSSA processes

The MELiSSA (Micro-Ecological Life Support System Alternative) programme is investigating ways of producing food, water and oxygen on long manned space missions that will support life forms with almost no external resources or waste.

Inspired by an aquatic ecosystem, MELiSSA uses mechanical processes, bioreactors, membranes and so on to achieve a total conversion of organic waste and carbon dioxide to recycle them into oxygen, water and food.

Waste products and air pollutants are processed using the natural metabolism of plants which in return provide food, oxygen for air revitalisation and contribute to water purification.