【May 21, CMSP News】On May 20, three volunteers stepped out of Lunar Palace 1  cabin, marking the success of 105-day ground-based artificial closed ecological system test, which is the first long-duration multi-crew sealed cabin research carried out in China.

According to Liu Hong, chief designer of the system, "Lunar Palace 1" refers to the Integrative Experimental Facility for Permanent Astrobase Life-support Artificial Closed Ecosystem(PALACE) Research. By applying a combination of biological technology and engineering control technology, it establishes an artificial enclosed ecological system where life basics such as oxygen, water and food can regenerate, thus providing earth-like ecological environment for habitants.
 

Figure: Model of Lunar Palace 1

Lunar Palace 1 is a 500-cubic-meter capsule, which covers an area of 160 square meters and consists of one integrated module and two plant cultivation modules. The integrated module is divided into the living room, the work room, bathroom, waste disposal room, etc.

The core of Lunar Palace 1 is the world’s most advanced closed-loop life support technology so far: Bioregenerative Life Support System (BLSS), which is essential for astronauts to live and work in space for long duration, making it possible for long-duration manned spaceflight and planet exploration.

Lunar Palace 1 is the first bioregenerative life support base developed in China and the third in the world. The success of Lunar Palace 1 research indicates that China has been among the most advanced in the field of bioregenerative life support research, which will play a significant role in China's future missions like manned moon landing, lunar base establishment, Mars exploration. (By Yu Yanjuan)