NASA Astronauts need us.Current nutrient delivery systems are not optimized for use in microgravity.
This is where we come in. |
The Problem Statement
To aid in the development of the Passive Porous Tube Nutrient Delivery System for use in microgravity, NASA requires we (1) design an adjustable stand for use in gravity that enables the control of moisture level, (2) a housing case that promotes mushroom growth via humidity, light, and temperature control.
Goal:Help NASA Improve their current nutrient delivery technologies and adapt them for use with mushrooms
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Objectives:
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Standards:
There are many design standards we must adhere to while making our design. Click on each standard below to see their definitions and learn more about how we are planning to meet them.
Constraints & Criteria
Adjustable Stand
Design Criteria1. Adjustable between 5-10 cm
2. Capable of being manufactured with a PLA 3D Printer 3. Easily Scalable for use with tubes of varying geometries |
Scientific Constraints1. Gravity can induce issues with capillary action in the tubes. For this reason the stand must be close to the ground. A stand that is too tall would allow gravity to play a larger role in counteracting the capillary action in the porous tubes.
2. Only ABS plastic should be used because of the ties to NASA’s Additive Manufacturing Facility and the commonality of this material. 3. The weight of the PPTNDS must be supported by the stand. The design must be sturdy enough to comfortably support the PPTNDS (for a future determined weight) while not hindering the porous tube system. |
Housing Apparatus
Design Criteria1. Low energy and low maintenance
2. Permits easy cultivation of mushrooms 3. Limits environmental contamination and spore expulsion |
Scientific Constraints 1. The normal RH (relative humidity) aboard the ISS is approximately 60%, whereas the RH preferred by oyster mycelium is 80-85%, so it is important to develop a system that allows harvesting with minimal to no impact on RH in either system (Hamed Aghajani, et al. 2018)
2. With the PPTNDS it will be quite difficult to make a supported cylindrical casing that is able to be easily dismantled at any interval for harvesting or maintenance. Must work around this when designing the apparatus. 3. Must ensure complete isolation of mushroom spores during harvest or airflow circulation. Failure to do so could lead to possible contamination of the ISS air system. |