Continuous Spirulina Growth Tested on the ISS for Future Closed-Loop Life Support in 2025

In 2025, the German Aerospace Center (DLR) conducted tests on the International Space Station (ISS) to evaluate the continuous growth of Spirulina, a type of cyanobacteria known for its nutritional benefits. This initiative is part of ongoing research aimed at developing sustainable closed-loop life support systems for long-duration space missions.

Spirulina, specifically the strain Limnospira, was chosen due to its ability to thrive in various environmental conditions and its high protein content, which could be vital for future astronauts. The findings from this experiment will provide valuable insights into the feasibility of growing food in space and contribute to the development of life support systems that recycle carbon dioxide and produce oxygen.

This research forms part of a broader effort to ensure that human presence on Mars and other distant space destinations can be sustained without relying heavily on resupply missions from Earth. By creating an ecosystem where food production and waste recycling are effectively managed, space agencies aim to enable longer missions and a more resilient living environment for astronauts.