Be Part of the Life Support Systems Solutions from Space for Earth Training Course!
In brief
University students can now apply for the pilot edition of the Life Support Systems Solutions from Space for Earth Workshop, scheduled from 10 to 21 March 2025. This is the inaugural course in the "Space for Earth" series by ESA Academy, which emphasizes the application of space technology and data for terrestrial benefits with a business-oriented approach. The first week will be held onsite at ESA Academy’s Training and Learning Facility in ESEC-Galaxia, Belgium, and the second week online. Participants will explore the scientific, engineering, and business aspects of converting waste into oxygen, water, and food, and how these innovations can create new business opportunities on Earth. This training course has been developed by ESA’s Education Office and the Life Support and Physical Sciences Instrumentation Section.
In-depth
The current approach to Life Support Systems (LSS) on the International Space Station (ISS) incorporates elements of both linear and circular economy models. However, most resources are still sourced from Earth and transported to the ISS, and a significant portion of waste is still disposed upon re-entering Earth’s atmosphere. This hybrid model works for Low Earth Orbit operations but becomes impractical and costly for missions to distant destinations, such as Mars.
To address these challenges, the ESA Micro-Ecological Life Support System Alternative (MELiSSA) project, comprising several universities and companies, collaborates on both theoretical and practical research to develop innovative recycling technologies for space applications. Additionally, the MELiSSA loop serves as a ground demonstrator for a closed life support system. It enables comprehensive studies that enhance our understanding of terrestrial circular systems, making its insights and methodologies directly applicable to terrestrial use cases, such as developing self-sustainable habitats and strategies to mitigate the environmental impacts of human activities.
Moreover, the operational requirements of the MELiSSA Pilot Plant continue to drive technological innovations. Challenges posed by the project have led to significant developments, such as electrical impedance techniques for biomass measurement and new carriers for biofilm generation in continuous nitrification reactors. These advancements not only enhance the project’s capabilities but also push the boundaries of technology in related disciplines.
Training Course Description
This training course offers students a comprehensive introduction to the principles behind closed-loop life support systems, using the MELiSSA project as an example of ‘spin off opportunities. Thus, throughout the workshop, students will explore the potential for applying MELiSSA's technologies in terrestrial businesses, providing insights into how these innovations can be leveraged beyond space applications.
In this light, students will be split into teams and be asked to create a business plan for a product making use in some way or another of technologies and methodologies learned throughout the week.
Through a combination of lectures, hands-on practical work, and a guest lecture from successful space tech entrepreneurs, students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to innovate in the field of life support systems. The course will end with students presenting their business models to a panel of experts.
Upon completion of the workshop, students will be evaluated based on their team project and will receive a certificate of participation and course transcript, allowing them to request ECTS credit(s) from their respective universities.
Preliminary schedule
| Day 1 |
Welcome and Introduction Introduction to Life Support Systems Introduction to Closed-Loop Life Support Systems MELiSSA Programme and Applications MELiSSA Compartment 5: Crew MELiSSA Compartment C4A: MicroAlgae and Photoreactor Team Project Assignment and Team Work |
| Day 2 |
MELiSSA Compartment 4B: Higher Plant Compartment MELiSSA Compartment 1: Thermophilic anaerobic bacteria MELiSSA Compartment 2: Microbial Electrolysis Cell MELiSSA Compartment 3: Nitrification Transformation Workshop: Design a Mini Closed-Loop System |
| Day 3 |
Commercialisation of Technology and Data Beyond Space Workshop on Ideation Team Work and Check-in |
| Day 4 |
Visit of ESEC-Redu Introduction to Entrepreneurship and Business Incubation & New Venturing Creation Team Work |
| Day 5 |
MELiSSA Case Studies: VUNA NEXUS & Hydrohm Team Work Team Pitches Wrap-up and Conclusion |
Who can apply?
To participate, students must fulfil the following criteria at the time of application:
- aged minimum 18 years old. ESA Academy and relevant partners will only appraise applications from students who have no or limited professional experience in relevant engineering or space-related topics;
- be a citizen of an ESA Member State, Canada*, Latvia, Lithuania, and Slovakia;
- be enrolled as a Bachelors, Master or Ph.D. student in an university (not graduating before the training course);
- be studying an engineering, science, business, or environmental sciences-related subject. Students from interdisciplinary programmes combining STEM elements are also welcome.
- have a basic understanding of biochemical reactions, ecological and biological systems, and an interest in space technology and sustainability.
Selected students will be requested to attend the entire 5-day training course at ESEC-Galaxia. They will be sponsored by ESA to cover accommodation and meals, as well as up to 350 Euros for travelling to Belgium.
ESA is committed to achieving diversity and creating an inclusive professional environment. To this end, we welcome proposals and applications from all eligible candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, beliefs, age, disability, or other characteristics. ESA Academy strongly encourages inclusiveness within its programmes and within participating teams, which contributes to the enrichment of our programme.
Whenever possible, we seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support, either digitally or at the location of the training. In case of any questions or specific needs, please reach out to academy.training@esa.int to get assistance or advice during the application process.
How to apply
- Fill in the application form;
- Upload a motivation letter (PDF, maximum 1 page, no images);
- Upload a CV (PDF, Europass format, maximum 2 pages, no images);
- Upload a formal recommendation letter (PDF, maximum 1 page, including signature, no images) from a university professor or academic supervisor of the current university (if it is not possible to receive the recommendation letter from your referee, please ask them to send a recommendation email to academy.training@esa.int before the application deadline);
- Upload a copy of your Transcript of Grades from the two previous semesters, or, if not available, the previous graded academic year (PDF).
All answers and documents should be in English (Transcript of Grades can be submitted in the language of the hosting university, if unavailable in English).
*Canadian students enrolled in a Canadian post-secondary institution may apply for additional support from the Canadian Space Agency through this Announcement of Opportunity (grant applications must be submitted at least 8 weeks before the course delivery and account creation 3 weeks before the deadline). This additional support is to cover costs that are not already covered by ESA for selected Canadian post-secondary students.
The deadline for applications is 21 January 2025, 23:59 CET.
The selection announcement is on 24 January 2025.
For more information, please contact academy.training@esa.int.