Phase 2 Preliminary Space Flight Experiments
Space experiments are needed to demonstrate the technology and validate mathematical models. Phase 2 generates engineering and scientific data and allows verification of the knowledge. Purpose of Phase 2 is to gain more understanding of specific elements (e.g. kinetics of a MELiSSA bacteria in microgravity).
![ArtEMISS flight hardware - mini photo bioreactor suitable for space](/var/esa/storage/images/esa_multimedia/images/2015/05/artemiss_flight_hardware/15404597-1-eng-GB/ArtEMISS_flight_hardware_article.png)
The MELiSSA life support system greatly depends on biological processes of which the behaviour is potentially influenced by reduced gravity and cosmic radiation. In the beginning, most of the experiments conducted for Phase II were about gathering knowledge on the bacteria used in the MELiSSA loop.
![BASE experiment (orange bag) with Yury Lonchakov Flight engineer 1](/var/esa/storage/images/esa_multimedia/images/2015/05/base_experiment_orange_bag/15404776-1-eng-GB/BASE_experiment_orange_bag_article.png)
Today, integration of several compartments is planned. The flight experiments are outlined in the Space Flight Experiments section.