What is MELiSSA?

The "MELISSA" (Micro-Ecological Life Support System Alternative) project aims to develop the technology required for a future biological life support system for long term manned space missions.

MELISSA goes further than other recycling systems used on Mir or the International Space Station which purify water and recycle exhaled carbon dioxide, but do not attempt to recycle organic waste for food production.

The MELISSA project is being developed within five phases:

Phase 1
Basic Research & Development
Phase 2
Preliminary Flight Experiments

Phase 3
Ground and Space Demonstration
Phase 4
Technology Transfer Programme
Phase 5
Education and communication

The driving element of MELISSA is the recovering of food, water and oxygen from waste (faeces, urea), carbon dioxide and minerals (MERGEAY 1988). Based on the principle of an "aquatic" ecosystem, MELISSA comprises 5 compartments

Please Click here for a full description of the MELISSA Compartments