Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Undergraduate
group
Authors' Class Standing
Collin Topolski, Senior Kayla Hollis, Junior Marcos Zamora, Junior Vijay Duraisamy, Graduate John Trzinski, Junior Danayit Mekonnen, Sophomore
Lead Presenter's Name
Collin Topolski
Faculty Mentor Name
Dr. Karen Gaines; Dr. Pedro Llanos
Abstract
Our work is to build a versatile chamber that is capable of allowing experiments for any component needed in an advanced life support system while maintaining a much lower cost compared to a similar commercial product. We plan to use the chamber for conducting experiments on living plants and microbial life in a stable environment. These experiments will further research toward a bio-regenerative life support system capable of allowing humans explore beyond Earth. Our system is designed to control temperature, atmospheric composition, air flow, ambient pressure, water distribution, and light intensity. With these factors, the experiments can more closely mimic the environment of Mars, test the ability of an aeroponics growth system for plants, or even use a previously built-in-house clinostat to achieve hypogravity testing. Beyond our own research, the team will be working towards commercializing the device as it is needed for most experiments to ensure a consistent environment.
Did this research project receive funding support from the Office of Undergraduate Research.
Yes, Ignite Grant
Design and Development of a Controlled Environment Chamber
Our work is to build a versatile chamber that is capable of allowing experiments for any component needed in an advanced life support system while maintaining a much lower cost compared to a similar commercial product. We plan to use the chamber for conducting experiments on living plants and microbial life in a stable environment. These experiments will further research toward a bio-regenerative life support system capable of allowing humans explore beyond Earth. Our system is designed to control temperature, atmospheric composition, air flow, ambient pressure, water distribution, and light intensity. With these factors, the experiments can more closely mimic the environment of Mars, test the ability of an aeroponics growth system for plants, or even use a previously built-in-house clinostat to achieve hypogravity testing. Beyond our own research, the team will be working towards commercializing the device as it is needed for most experiments to ensure a consistent environment.