Space Ecology Workshop

Space Ecology Workshop

The global Space Ecology Workshop is a free, virtual 2-day conference that connects academia and industry to advance the science and art of supporting diverse life in space.

Countdown Expired!

Space Ecology Workshop

The global Space Ecology Workshop is a free, virtual 2-day conference that connects academia and industry to advance the science and art of supporting diverse life in space.

Countdown Expired!

3rd Annual International
Space Ecology Workshop 2024

Closed System Ecology | Crop Production and Waste Recycling
BLSS and CELSS | Bioastronautics

2024 Plenary Speakers

Christine Escobar

Cofounder & VP of Space Lab Technologies
PI of ARTEMIS LEAF Mission

Gioia Massa

Project Scientist at NASA Kennedy Space Center

Volker Hessel

Program Lead, Plants 4 Space
Professor, University of Adelaide

Jane Shevtsov

President of Propagule Space Ecology Institute
Professor, UCLA

Gioia Massa

Project Scientist at NASA Kennedy Space Center

Christine Escobar

Cofounder & VP of Space Lab Technologies
PI of ARTEMIS LEAF Mission

Jane Shevtsov

President of Propagule Space Ecology Institute
Professor, UCLA

Volker Hessel

Program Lead, Plants 4 Space
Professor, University of Adelaide

Major Themes Include

Enabling a Sustainable Presence in Space

Maintaining a permanent presence in space is untenable without a degree of self-sufficiency.

We discuss technologies that contribute to mission longevity by enhancing crew health, closing material or energy loops, and replacing or reimagining physio-chemical life support systems

Closed Ecological Systems For Deep Space

The understanding and development of artificial ecosystems is critical to achieve long term goals in life support and physical and mental health needs for crew.

A major goal of this workshop is to coalesce research on closed ecological systems: highlight applicable existing research, identify gaps in knowledge, and coordinate future high-priority research.

Crop Production and Waste Recycling

Closing the material loop in food production and waste recycling systems is necessary to reduce reliance on regular resupplies.

Extensive space agriculture will be a prerequisite for space habitats with permanent residents. Topics of interest include: improving yield, designing with automation, crop cultivar selection, water and nutrient delivery systems.

Workshop Overview

The 2022 Space Ecology Workshop (SEW) was a one day virtual event. The timeline for the proceedings is outlined generally below.

The 2023 Space Ecology Workshop timeline is still under deliberation.

8:30 am - 9:00 am
Opening Remarks

Establish the goals of the workshop. Introduce organizers and sponsors.

9:00 am - 12:30 pm
Space Ecology Past to Present

What have we learned? What do we still need to accomplish? In this session, we will validate and refine R&D needs and gaps.

1:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Space Ecology Roadmap to the Future

Collaboratively build a roadmap of required research and technologies. Identify obstacles to realizing our vision and brainstorm solutions.

4:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Closing Remarks & Next Steps

Establish contact and channels for continued collaboration. Define the next steps we will take to further space ecology.

8:30 am - 9:00 am
Opening Remarks

Establish the goals of the workshop. Introduce organizers and sponsors.

9:00 am - 12:30 pm
Space Ecology Past to Present

What have we learned? What do we still need to accomplish? In this session, we will validate and refine R&D needs and gaps.

1:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Space Ecology Roadmap to the Future

Collaboratively build a roadmap of required research and technologies. Identify obstacles to realizing our vision and brainstorm solutions.

4:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Closing Remarks & Next Steps

Establish contact and channels for continued collaboration. Define the next steps we will take to further space ecology.