Earth environment: ecosystem, water cycle, carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle; atmosphere; magnetosphere, radiation
environment. Space environment: upper atmosphere, gravity (Earth, Moon, Mars), radiations (cosmic rays, solar
particle events, Van Allen belts, different radiation levels at ISS, at the Moon, during a trip to Mars, at Mars), space
debris (micrometeoroids, shielding). Effects of space environment on human body: bone loss, muscle loss, motion
sickness (ear), vision problems, cardiovascular system (shift of fluids), effects of radiation: different particles, dose
limits, possible risks (cancer, Alzheimer, bone loss). Countermeasures: exercises and history of exercises, radiation
(dosimetry, shielding, pharmacological), immune system, psychology. History of human space exploration: from
Gagarin to the ISS, ISS-related accidents and incidents and lessons learned (Apollo 1, Valentin Bondarenko, Soyuz 11,
space suits, …), space exploration (Moon, Mars, unmanned/manned, travel duration). Basic of life support systems:
open loop vs closed loop, budgets (air, O2, water…), physical-chemical LSS, regenerative LSS, CELSS,
bioregenerative LSS, description of main subsystems: air revitalization, water management, waste management, closing
the loop. Physic-Chemical Life Support Subsystems: atmosphere management (carbon dioxide reduction/removal,
oxygen generation, atmosphere monitoring and control), water management (urine recovery, hygiene recovery…),
waste management. The International Space Station as a case study: history of the design, description of modules,
description of LSS systems. Terrestrial applications derived from LSS for spacecraft: basic ecological research,
atmosphere, water and waste regeneration, biomass production and research. Space suits: history, design, LSS in the
suits, pressure in the suit and procedure to donning and doffing, future space suits. Bioregenerative life support
concepts: plant physiology (photosynthesis, phototropism, gravitropism), effects of microgravity, algal systems, higher
plants, fungi, animals, experiments (Biosphere 2, Veggie, Melissa). Future Life Support Systems: artificial gravity,
hibernation (human, animals), bioprinting, nanotech, lunar base, Martian base. Astronauts: selection and training,
spaceflight operations, social and psychological effects (MARS 500), psychology of Survival (Antarctic exploration).
