Possibilities of creating biosphere in space stations: Armenian scientist’s new project

Up until now, plants taken into space were primarily of scientific interest. However, efforts are now being made to expand their functionality. Growing plants during space flights will not only assist in controlling cabin humidity but may also have a positive psychological impact on the crew. Furthermore, solutions to various challenges, such as how to create a biological environment on space stations, will be sought by the members of the scientific team that won second place in the interdisciplinary project competition at the "Annual Review Conference-2024". The team, consisting of Naira Sargsyan, Anush Badalyan, Diana Darbinyan, Gor Khachatryan, and Suren Davitavyan, will explore whether this environment can enable the production of biological materials in space on a larger scale.  

"Biological environments are, by nature, a phenomenon that has existed in nature for millions of years. Long ago, humans reached a point where it became possible to artificially create such an environment on Earth. However, creating a similar environment in space stations still requires significant development. Solving this issue and ensuring plant growth in space will address several crucial challenges, such as the creation of new biological environments, oxygen production, food provision, and socio-psychological concerns. This could also become an important element for the future development of life both on Earth and beyond," explains lichenologist Naira Sargsyan, Senior Laboratory Technician at the Institute of Botany of the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia (NAS RA), whose main task will be to create biological environments for selected plants, plan their planting, care, and growth, and achieve the final results.

According to her, the issues arising within the framework of the project regarding the space have been liked by all the members of the group, as they provide an opportunity to broaden their horizons and make innovative proposals. The topic, which unites various scientific fields, opens up new prospects for discovery and is always relevant in the modern world. 

Anush Badalyan, Junior Researcher at A. I. Alikhanyan National Science Laboratory, physicist, and PhD student, emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, stating that bringing together experts from different fields fosters the development of innovative solutions, especially for problems that require multifaceted approaches.

"This kind of collaboration facilitates the exchange of experience and the acquisition of more comprehensive knowledge. When specialists from different fields unite, they can solve complex, multifaceted problems that require different approaches. When people are united by a common idea or goal, they work with greater enthusiasm and energy, supporting each other through challenges and difficulties, ultimately achieving better results, as was the case with us," says Anush.

Biochemist Diana Darbinyan, Laboratory Technician at the Institute of Chemical Physics named after A.B. Nalbandyan, NAS RA, describes one of the key challenges faced during the planning of the project—choosing the right plants.

"We discussed the selection of plants, lichens, and fungi. After deliberation, we decided to focus on legumes—soybean, beans, and peas—because they contain high levels of proteins and vitamins. They are endowed with antioxidant properties and are resilient to changing environmental conditions," explains Diana, who will perform biochemical measurements during the study, comparing the plants' conditions before and after radiation exposure.

Taking into account the concentration and bioaccumulation of heavy metals, organic, and inorganic substances, Gor Khachatryan, Senior Laboratory Technician at the Applied Hydroecology Laboratory of the Scientific Center of Zoology and Hydroecology, NAS RA, will conduct additional research to ensure the plants' normal growth in the biological environment.

"For the cultivation of beans, soybeans, and peas, the primary macronutrients required are nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sulfur. These elements are vital for plant growth, root development, photosynthesis, and seed formation. Micronutrients such as iron, manganese, boron, zinc, copper, and molybdenum are necessary for photosynthesis, enzyme activation, and nitrogen fixation. Thus, it is crucial to investigate these nutrients to ensure the proper growth and development of plants," says Gor, adding that the evolutionary history of plants has highlighted the significant role of microorganisms in symbiotic relationships. Considering that certain plants grow more intensively in such systems, it is crucial to replicate these relationships in space. This would help generate more biological mass within a shorter time frame. 

According to Gor, the project's results could significantly change or improve research in the field. He anticipates the implementation of innovative approaches to enhance plant growth efficiency in space and uncover new possibilities for the development of biological systems. The reproduction of the symbiosis between microorganisms and plants could contribute to higher biomass production, facilitating food provision and psychological support for astronauts on long-duration missions.

The team will also engage in genetic research on the selected plants, as well as the development of biological data and the identification of connections, under the guidance of Suren Davitavyan, Junior Researcher in the Bioinformatics Group at the Institute of Molecular Biology, NAS RA, and Candidate of Biological Sciences.

"The project has great practical potential, as stimulating plant growth in space stations remains a key area of interest. Considering that the prospects for commercial space flights, though still uncertain, are becoming increasingly apparent, there is a need to provide large quantities of food and create an Earth-like environment to make long-term space travel more comfortable," emphasizes Suren, who believes that the key to their scientific team's success lies in their ability to engage in debate and accept criticism.

The team members believe in the success of their project because it is based on a timely and forward-looking idea. 

As part of the project implementation, they plan to publish at least three articles in international scientific journals and present their findings at both local and international conferences. They aim to deepen interdisciplinary cooperation between scientific institutions in Armenia and promote the country's involvement in space exploration.