The logo of the World Summit on Sustainable Development

ESA technologies and know-how developed for life support has already found applications on Earth, mainly in industrialised countries. A number of success stories on technology transfer (spin-offs) from space to terrestrial use can be reported such as: Biostyr (nitrification and de-nitrification process), Concordia station water recycling system, Biomass sensor (biological activity determination) or BIOMET (heavy metal management).
 
Following the example of industrialised countries, ESA can also help cope with issues faced in developing countries. In 2004, contacts between Non Governmental Organisations, public organisations (i.e. United Nations Development Programme UNDP) and ESA have been initiated.

Potential collaborations to use space technologies for the improvement of the basic water supply and sanitation at household level in developing or newly industrialised countries have been identified. ESA has competencies at technology and system level to support new terrestrial sustainable development approaches (‘high closure of the loop’ and ‘from water to food processes’) advocated by UNDP.

Three study cases, in China, Mexico and Uganda are now proposed by UNDP for ESA’s consideration. In addition to water and waste issues, it is also proposed to evaluate the potential of ESA know-how for food production in regions facing food availability and malnutrition issues. In particular, ESA could contribute to the efforts carried out in some African/Indian regions to develop on site food production based on the MELISSA processes.

In order to test and improve the robustness and reliability of ESA developed water and waste-recycling technologies, tests on ground, especially in operational environments that suffer from severe constraints, is mandatory.

This activity will serve to

1. Assess algae production on a large scale, as could be necessary on a planetary surface
2. Increase reliability and robustness of ESA Life Support System technologies, by adapting them to the constraints of their application in developing countries.