The Deployable Independent Greenhouse System (DIGS) consists of 4 modules: an aeroponics module, where plants are grown on a conveyor, rotating through a robotic nutrient and harvesting system; a processing module, where foods are preserved and their byproducts recycled for nutrients and biochar; a rotating storage module; and a propulsion module to get to EML-2 and station-keep once there. Solar arrays and RTGs power the DIGS, while super-efficient LEDs provide the necessary light for growth.

This project is solving the Deployable Greenhouse challenge.

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Description

The Deployable Independent Greenhouse Systems (DIGS) project aims to develop a self-sustained bioregenerative environment capable of producing fresh and freeze-dried food to supply missions en route to the moon, Mars, or Near-Earth Objects (NEOs), thereby reducing or eliminating the need to carry perishables to orbit. This reduces the overall launch mass and storage space, allowing for lesser fuel needs and lower costs per launch. The DIGS can be launched to its location at Earth-Moon Lagrange Point 2 (EML2) well ahead of a mission that will utilize its resources and will preserve food (or leave it fresh upon request) for astronauts to retrieve later. Future deployment locations include on orbit around planetary bodies (moon, Mars, etc.) or NEOs. Implications include future commercial use, including effects on space tourism.

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Project Information

License: Creative Commons BY-NC-ND 3.0
Source Code/Project URL: https://github.com/darkmoonsinger/DIGS

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