https://www.nature.com/articles/s41526-025-00518-4">An article in South China Morning Post on Sept. 13 pointed to statements by U.S. scientists, regarding “critical gaps” in U.S. life-support technology which could be a stumbling block to U.S. human exploration further into deep space. The scientists published their concerns in a paper published in npj Microgravity on Aug. 16.
NASA research had previously focussed on bioregenerative systems, including the development of sustainable agricultural systems for space exploration in the 1990s. This program was, however, discontinued in 2004 after budget cuts and a shift in research priorities. The experimental laboratory for the project at the Johnson Space Center was also completely dismantled. That area of research is also facing further cuts under the Trump 2026 budget.
Biogenerative life support systems (BliSS) are artificial ecosystems that leverage biological organisms to recycle and generate resources, including oxygen, food and water.
