Synthetic Biological Membrane (SBM)

NASA funded: The Space Synthetic Biology (SSB) project can improve the reliability and reduce the mass, power, and volume of NASA's next generation life support systems, particularly on ISS, based on lessons learned showing that "reliability" is the major limitation of ISS technology. SSB objective is to improve subsystem reliability by integrating biological and mechanical systems to create a new type of biomechanical subsystem. Improved reliability leads to a reduction in the amount of material, or mass, that would otherwise be required to be launched, leading to increase efficiency, in both time and cost. NASA unfunded: Future exploration missions beyond Low Earth Orbit will require long-term (months) in-space. These missions will require low mass, more reliable water recycling systems than in use today. The system under development requires little or no maintenance for missions to, and habitats on, Mars. The product of this development project will be relevant to the NASA Advanced Exploration System (AES) Life Support System Program (LSS) that will be deployed in exploration mission scenarios. A Intended Mission Use Agreement for Technology Infusion has been signed with AES management. OGA: SSB Project delivered the first synthetic biological membrane system to the Army TARDEC in Dec 2015. Provided training in Jan 2016. This is a 200 gal/hr Forward Operating Base water recycling system. Army to initiate testing in mid to late Jan 2016. This system uses the same membranes being developed in SSB but without the regenerable capability that is the current focus of the SSB project. Commercial: Currently discussing with Biggelow Aerospace use of SSB in Biggelow FO water processor. Currently working with European Space Agency to develop flight hardware. Conducted joint ESA flight to ISS in 2015 and are planning on second flight in 2016. Nation: California State Water Control Board recycled water policy Resolution 2013-0003 has as one of its goals to substitute as much recycled water for potable water use as possible by 2030. Specifically, to increase the use of recycled water over 2002 levels by at least one million acre-feet per year (any) by 2020 and by at least two million any by 2030. Currently working with State of California to initiate large scale testing of distributed water recycling using FO and SSB technology. SSB Project is currently operating a FO gray water recycling system in a 250 person office building at Ames Research center.