Modeling components of bioregenerative life support system intended for space purposes

We have developed a linear model for compiling and optimizing food components in a bioregenerative life-support system (BLSS) intended for space purposes in the Excel environment using OpenSolver public add-in with COIN-OR- CBC solver. The independent variables in the model are the masses of ingredients used in dishes. The objective functions of modeling are to minimize the total mass of the daily diet and maximize its antioxidant potential. The daily intakes of nutrients in the menu are limited to NASA standards. The upper and lower limits are also imposed on independent variables and the masses of dishes. We have found the content of nutrients in ingredients in open databases. The menu includes the first course, the second course, snacks, desserts, drinks, bread and water. We have presented an example of a concrete calculation of the daily menu consisting of 12 dishes: fresh-soup, chicken with rice, the roast, sausages, tofu, chickpeas, candied nuts, bread, goat milk, soy milk, cocktail and water. These dishes are prepared using 24 ingre- dients: table salt, water, wheat grains, rice, quinoa, millet, sweet potato, white potato, carrots, safflower oil, soybeans, chickpeas, lentils, cowpeas, strawberries, tomatoes, onions, garlic, chili pepper, quail, pork, tilapia, goat’s milk and sugar. The ingredients being used represent edible biomass of plants and animals that are candidates for inclusion in BLSS. Caloric content of a daily diet is assumed to be equal to 2800 kcal. It is shown that food imbalances in the esti- mated daily menu are caused by a shortage of estimated daily intake of pantothenic acid, and also by an excess of iron, phosphorus and saturated fats. Excess intake of iron and phosphorus may not be critical for the health of the users of BLSS. The minimum weight of the daily menu is 2641 g, and its antioxidant potential can reach 14 mmol Ttrolox- equivalent.