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Application of space technology to the design of sustainable settlements in hot deserts: Bioregenerative life support systems

Yuriy Polyakov¹, Ibrahim Musaev² & Sergey Polyakov¹

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1. USPolyResearch
2. School of International and Public Affairs, Columbia University

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Document Type:

Manuscript

Date:

Received 31 October 2009 00:00 UTC; Posted 02 November 2009

Subjects:

Earth & Environment

Tags:

• hot desert
• desertification
• space technology
• bioregenerative life support system
• water scarcity

Abstract:

Water scarcity in hot deserts, which cover about one-fifth of the Earth’s land area, along with rapid expansion of hot deserts into arable lands is one of the key global environmental problems. This paper proposes and substantiates an interdisciplinary approach to sustainable settlements in hot deserts using the accomplishments in the design of closed bioregenerative life support systems (CBLSS) for beyond-Earth (Lunar, Martian) settlements. Extensive space technology experience in the design of CBLSSes, which simultaneously produce food, water, nutrients, and fertilizers, process wastes, and revitalize air, has been analyzed and systematized with application to hot deserts, which represent extreme habitats with high input of solar energy, poor organic life, and nutrient/mineral-rich soils. A general flow diagram and design principles for hot-desert bioregenerative life support systems (BLSS), which may be considered as solar-powered “bioreactors” with accelerated cycles of carbon and nutrients, are formulated. Research and design guidelines for BLSS solar energy utilization, accelerated food production, water production and recycling, and wastes processing are suggested. Environmental and socioeconomic benefits of building hot-desert BLSSes are discussed.

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This document is licensed to the public under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License

How to cite this document:

Polyakov, Yuriy, Musaev, Ibrahim, and Polyakov, Sergey. Application of space technology to the design of sustainable settlements in hot deserts: Bioregenerative life support systems. Available from Nature Precedings <http://hdl.handle.net/10101/npre.2009.3926.1> (2009)

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