Experimental system of life ecological science on China Space Station

Abstract

The life ecology experimental cabinet on China Space Station is a microgravity scientific experimental platform which is suitable for plant individuals, fish, snails, fruit flies and other biological individuals as the research objects. It includes a general biological culture module (GBCM), a small general biological culture module (SGBCM), a small centrifugal experiment module (SCEM), a small controlled life ecological experiment module (SCLEEM) and a microbial online monitoring module (MOMM). The GBCM provides suitable environmental conditions for biological experiments, including temperature, humidity, light, gas concentration, visible light imaging detection, fluorescence imaging detection, program-controlled instructions, etc. The SGBCM internally provides temperature control and imaging monitoring. Other functions are realized by the replaceable culture unit. The SCEM can realize 1-2g gravity simulation in microgravity environment, and is able to support variable gravity biology research and microgravity comparison experimental research. In SCLEEM, it is planned to carry out a closed aquatic organism culture experiment with algae, fishes and snails as members. Algae provides necessary oxygen for fishes and snails through photosynthesis. MOMM is a payload used to detect the presence and classification of microorganisms in the environment. Each module works independently and has an independent electronic control system with the same architecture.This paper will introduce its basic functions, experimental conditions and expandable interface resources module by module. It provides a basis for space biologists to design experiments and a reference for payload engineers.