As the number of space missions continues to grow, with hundreds currently active, waste generated during missions has also increased. Cargo packaging materials such as foam and plastic are often used to safely deliver supplies during missions and can contribute to logistical waste over time. Managing waste efficiently is becoming increasingly important as missions grow longer and more complex.
University of Florida researchers are trying to fix this problem.
Nils Averesch, Ph.D., an assistant professor of microbiology and cell science and a member of UF’s Astraeus Space Institute is collaborating with NASA’s Deep Space Logistics (DSL) team to explore innovative biomanufacturing techniques for recycling cargo packing materials from space missions. These techniques use cells and enzymes to break down waste and turn them back into useful materials. This partnership was facilitated through the Florida University Space Research Consortium, which helped connect UF researchers with industry leaders in space logistics.
“It fundamentally shifts our work from conceptual recycling studies to mission-driven systems engineering. With DSL providing insight into what is actually being used in space logistics, we can now size biological recycling processes against real waste streams, real mass flows and real mission timelines. That allows us to scale our research toward integrated, flight-relevant biomanufacturing platforms rather than remaining at isolated proof-of-concept experiments,” Averesch said.
The research focuses on microbial deconstruction and upcycling of plastics, aiming to convert materials typically discarded as waste — like mixed plastics, nylon and foam — into usable resources for deep space exploration. This work could impact future concepts for in-space manufacturing and resource recovery, pending additional research and validation.