Dashboard

8:00

Networking Meetings (as needed basis)

Auditorium

9:00

Keynote Lecture

Power-2-Food using Green Acetate and Microorganisms
Martin PERSSON (Manager of Fermentation Technology, Novonesis, Denmark)

Auditorium

Faraday

Cine 3

Track 1: Eating and Breathing in Space

1.2 Plant Characterisation

Track 2: Valorising Wastes, Recovering Water and Drinking in Space

2.2 Wastewater Treatment, Water Recovery and Drinking in Space

Track 3: Paving the Path to Circular Systems for Space and Earth

3.2 Space Demonstrators and Ground Analogues

Chairs: Lucie Poulet (Université Clermont Auvergne), Lucie Thibaud (ZARM)

Chairs: Korneel Rabaey (University of Gent), Siegfried Vlaeminck (University of Antwerp), Kai Udert (Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, EAWAG), Cyprien Verseux (University of Bremen)

Chair: Natalie Leys (SCK-CEN)

Safe Water to Drink

09h45

Can Plants Grow Upright in Space? Mechanisms Underlying Stability and Root Anchorage
Valérie LEGUÉ, Université Clermont Auvergne, France

Risk-based Treatment and Monitoring of On-site Water Reuse on Earth
Eva REYNAERT, German Environment Agency, Germany

MELiSSA Pilot Plant: Contributing to MELiSSA Loop Closure
Carolina ARNAU JIMENEZ, MELiSSA Pilot Plant – Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain

10h15

Angle Dependence in the Plant Gravitropic Response
Marta DEL BIANCO, Italian Space Agency, Italy

Snow’s Eye Measurement Suite: a Modular Acoustic-Radar–Spectroscopic Payload for Quantitative and Compositional Water-ice Reconnaissance in Support of MELiSSA Life-Support and ISRU Systems
Jan MIKOLAJCZYK, University of Warsaw, Poland

EDEN LUNA – Science and Technology Demonstration Platform
Vincent VRAKKING, German Aerospace Center, Germany

10h30

Not Only Roots: Plant Response to Gravity Stimulus to Retain Flower Orientation
Giovanna ARONNE, University of Naples Federico II, Department of Agricultural Sciences, Italy

Antimicrobial Coating: Protecting and Improving Human Space Flights
Filiz EMIRLI, NTNU / Spectrum Blue, Norway

Mapping the Paths of Human Space Exploration, a Life Science Prospective
Marta DEL BIANCO, Italian Space Agency, Italy

10h45

Altered Gravity Effects on Pollen Germination and Tube Growth: Species Selection for Experimental Models in the FLOS Project
Luigi Gennaro IZZO, University of Naples Federico II, Italy

Water Recovery from Aerosol Streams with an Eye to Microgravity
Giuseppe BARBIERI, Consiglio Nazionale delle
Ricerche – Istituto per la
Tecnologia delle Membrane,
Italy

Lunar Agriculture Module Ground Test Demonstrator (LAM-GTD) – an International Effort to Develop a Full-scale Testbed for Bio-regenerative Life Support, including Canada’s Role in the Lunar Agriculture Module – Ground Test Demonstrator
Michel Fabien FRANKE, German Aerospace Center
(DLR)
Jared STOOCHNOFF, Canadia Space Agency
(CSA)

From Water to Food

11h00

Are There Main Trends in Plants’ Responses to Ionizing Radiation?
Veronica DE MICCO, University of Naples Federico II, Dept. Agricultural Sciences, Italy

Noble Rot Wine Pills
Elena LUCIANI, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma – Scienze dell’Alimentazione e della Nutrizione Umana, Italy

11h15

Coffee Break

From Water to Food (continued)

11h45

Real-time Thermal Imaging of Leaf Temperature to Explore Plant Transpiration and Leaf Boundary Layer Effects on Ground and in Microgravity
Øyvind JAKOBSEN, CIRiS, NTNU Samfunnsforskning AS, Norway

Perception of Green Juice Under Simulated Immersive Earth and Space Environments for the Design of Palatable Space Compatible Beverage
Lydia ONG, Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space, The University of Melbourne, Australia

Bioregenerative Life Support Systems for the Moon: Italy’s Pioneering Project Supported by the Italian Space Agency
Micol BELLUCI, Italian Space Agency, Italy

12h00

Watermeal as a Resilient Nutrient Source for Space Farming: Omics-based Insights into Gravity-driven Adaptation for Closed Life Support Systems
Tatpong TULYANANDA, Mahidol University Faculty of Science, Thailand

Lettuce Cultivation in a Urine-Fertilizer Scenario: Exploring Sodium Tolerance and Acclimation
Mona SCHIEFLOE, CIRiS- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Space, NTNU Samfunnsforskning AS, Norway

Radiobiome: Host-Gut Microbiome Functional Resilience to Radiation
Michaela WALSH, University College Dublin, Ireland

12h15

Stress Response of Hydroponically Cultivated Kale (Brassica oleracea) to Sodium Chloride and the Potential Mitigation Effect of Co-cultivation with Saltwort (Salsola Komarovii)
Kaia MACLEOD, NTNU, Norway

Lettuce Cultivation Based on Urine-Derived Fertilizer – In-Situ Resource Utilization of Calcium Oxide for pH Control and Calcium Supplementation in Hydroponics
Anja JENNER, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Space (CIRiS), NTNU Samfunnsforskning AS, Norway

Running a Photobioreactor in Space for the Production of Oxygen and Edible Spirulina Biomass
Natalie LEYS, Belgian Nuclear Research Center SCK CEN, Belgium

12h30

Impact of Super-Elevated CO2 Concentration on Biomass and Oxygen Production of Kale Cultivated in the Higher Plant Chamber of the MELiSSA Pilot Plant
Enrique Peiro, MELiSSA Pilot Plant – Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain

Simulated MELiSSA C3 Effluent as Sole Nitrogen Source for Kale and Lettuce Cultivation in a Closed-loop Hydroponic System (C4b)
Stefania COZZOLINO, Department of Agricultural Sciences – University of Naples Federico II, Italy

Operation of Biolab for Human Spaceflight Applications at the Microgravity User Support Center (MUSC)
Katharina HILDEBRANDT, German Aerospace Center, Germany

12h45

Custom Light Engines for the PaCMan Plant Characterization Unit: a Replicable Design Pathway for Upgrading Photobiological Systems in Space Research
Piero SANTORO, MEG Science, Italy

LunarPlant: Human Waste Utilization in Hydroponic Systems for Cultivation of Leafy Greens in Space
Ann-Iren KITTANG, NTNU Samfunnsforskning
AS, Dept. CIRiS, Norway

Miniaturized and Monitored growth chambers for Cyanobacteria Culture in Space: MIMOCYCS
Eva CREUS OLEART, SENER Aeroespacial, Spain

Wastewater Treatment

13h00

The Use of the Plant Characterization Unit for Investigating Crop Sub-Optimal Mineral Nutrition
Emmanuel FROSSARD, ETH Zurich, Swizterland

Hardware Development for the BASIC ISS Experiment and Planned InFlight and Post-Flight Data Collection
Solène WURTZ PRA, Université Clermont
Auvergne, France

13:15

Lunch

Auditorium

Faraday

Cine 3

Track 1: Eating and Breathing in Space

1.2 Plant Characterisation

Track 2: Valorising Wastes, Recovering Water and Drinking in Space

2.2 Wastewater Treatment, Water Recovery and Drinking in Space

Track 3: Paving the Path to Circular Systems for Space and Earth

3.2 Space Demonstrators and Ground Analogues

Chairs: Lucie Poulet (Université Clermont Auvergne), Lucie Thibaud (ZARM)

Chairs: Korneel Rabaey (University of Gent), Siegfried Vlaeminck (University of Antwerp), Kai Udert (Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, EAWAG), Cyprien Verseux (University of Bremen)

Chair: Natalie Leys (SCK-CEN)

Wastewater Treatment (continued)

14h15

Studying the Effects of Mycorrhizal Symbiosis in a Simulated Lunar Environment under Differing Gravity Levels
Andreas GUÐMUNDSSON
GÄHWILLER, University of Iceland, Iceland

Removal of Organic Acids for Life Support Systems in Space using a Synthetic Microbial Community in a Microbial Electrolysis Cell
Korneel RABAEY, Ghent University, Belgium

The Space Omics Spaceflight Related Results and Simulated Microgravity Facilities Provided to the Space Biology, Life Support Systems and Astrobiology Communities in Spain
Raul HERRANZ, CIB Margarita Salas (CSIC), Spain

14h30

Effect of Bio-stimulation from Limnospira Indica on Microbiome Modulation and Plant Resilience
Cécile RENAUD, University of Mons, Belgium

Centralized Testing Facility for Space Food Production, Handling, and Bioregenerative Processes
Tor BLOMQVIST, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Germany

14h45

,Use of Microalgae and Cyanobacteria from BLSS as Fertilisers for Lunar and Martian Regolith Simulants
Izabela ŚWICA, University Warmia and Mazury, Poland

Nitrify for life: Sustainable Solutions for Space and Earth
Siegfried VLAEMINCK, University of Antwerp, Belgium

TBC
Anais LLODRA-PEREZ, MEDES, France

15h00

Enhancing Performance, Stability, and Resilience of Lunar Bioregenerative Life Support Systems through Intercropping Strategies
Antonnio PANNICO, Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Portici, Italy

A two weeks, sealed study in bioregeneration at Biosphere 2, Kai STAATS , Arizona University, USA

Auditorium

Faraday

Cine 3

Track 1: Eating and Breathing in Space

1.3 On-Board Food Production and Preparation

Track 2: Valorising Wastes, Recovering Water and Drinking in Space

2.2 Wastewater Treatment, Water Recovery and Drinking in Space

Track 3: Paving the Path to Circular Systems for Space and Earth

3.3 Terrestrial Applications

Chairs: Stefania de Pascale (University of Naples Federico II), Giorgio Boscheri (Thales Alenia Space Italia))

Chairs: Korneel Rabaey (University of Gent), Siegfried Vlaeminck (University of Antwerp), Kai Udert (Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, EAWAG), Cyprien Verseux (University of Bremen)

Chairs: Jeremy Pruvost (University of Nantes), Antoinette Kazbar (University of Wageningen)

Urine Processing

Process Development for Waste Valorisation

15h15

MOONRICE: Cereal Crop Production for Future Planetary Base
Marta DEL BIANCO, Italian Space Agency, Italy

Simulation of a Constructed Wetland for Wastewater Treatment on the Moon or Mars

Patrick Grove, The Spring Institute for Forests on the Moon, France

Enabling Microbial and Microalgal Functional Ingredients for Terrestrial and Space Applications
Iulian BOBOESCU, Wageningen University, the Netherlands

15h30

An Integrated System for Water and Nutrient Recovery to Enable Sustainable Space Habitation
Alaa KULLAB, Hydromars AB, Sweden

15h45

Liquid Management in Space (LiMiS): Innovations in Microgravity Food Production
Sophie LABONNOTE-WEBER, NTNU Samfunnsforskning, Norway

From Mineralized Urine to Balanced Nutrient Solution for Crop Cultivation: Long-Term Supplementation Strategies and Nutrient Solution Dynamics
Øyvind JAKOBSEN, CIRiS, NTNU Samfunnsforskning AS, Norway

Fogponics in the Loop: Developing and Testing a Nutrient Delivery System for Bioregenerative Space Agriculture
Siert HAMERS, Delft University of
Technology, the
Netherlands

16h00

Development Status and Test Results of JAXA’s Plant Growth Unit for Advanced Cultivation Experiments
Dylan Shun IZUMA, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Japan

On-Site Resource Recovery from Urine with Zero-Waste Discharge: Challenges on the Way from a Process to a Product
Michel RIECHMANN, EAWAG / OGMO, Switzerland

Microbially Driven Electro-Filtration for Recovery of Energy, Water and Nutrients: Transforming Urine into Bio-Fertiliser for Growing Plants in Space Missions
Iwona GAJDA, University of the West of England, United Kingdom

16h15

SELENE
Giorgia PONTETTI, G & A Engineering S.r.l., Italy

Towards a More Representative Synthetic Urine: Inclusion of Organic Compounds and Validation of Their Conversion During Anaerobic Storage
Nele KIRKERUP, EAWAG / ETH Zurich, Switzerland

INCITE – Innovative Ionic Liquid-Enzyme Tandems for Enhanced Biomass Degradation
Antonielle MONCLARO, CMET/ Ghent University,
Belgium

16h30

MICROx2: A Microgreens Greenhouse for Lunar Surface Missions
Giorgio BOSCHERI, Thales Alenia Space, Italy

Urea Hydrolysis, Nitrification and COD Removal of Synthetic and Human Urine in a Continuous Packed-Bed Bioreactor with a Defined Microbial
Community at the Melissa Pilot Plant
Queralt FARRÀS, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain

Gravity-Adaptive Wolffia (Water Lentils) For Bioregenerative Life Support Systems: A Three-Year Multi-G Study and its Application to Terrestrial Cultivation Technology
Leone Ermes ROMANO, Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Italy

16h45

Space-Fed, Space-Ready: Innovations in Astronaut Nutrition and Extraterrestrial Agriculture, Patrick GROVE (on behalf of Borja BARBERO), Moon Village Association, United States

Enhancing The Conversion of Organics in Urine Treatment with a Synthetic Community Through Genomic Screening Targeted for Creatinine-Degrading Bacteria
Patricia GUTIÉRREZ LOZANO, University of Antwerpen, Belgium

Auditorium

17:00

Poster Pitch Contest

17:15

COFFEE BREAK

17:30

18:00

Round Table Event : Art for Space

moderated by Marc OBÉRON (Founder of Cinema for Change International Film Festival, France)

Keynote Lecture

Research Progress on Bioregenerative Life Support System (BLSS) by “Lunar Palace-1” Team
Hui LIU (Lunar Palace 365 Experiment Captain, Beihang University, China)

18:30
20:00

Free time

20:00
22:00

Gala Dinner – Barceló Granada Congress

Getting there

9 minutes🚶

2025 MELiSSA Conference

hYBRID EVENT : In-Person & Virtual Event

October 7-8-9

Parque de las Ciencias
Granada (Spain)

Dear participant,

Poster contest

Your personal preferences for the conference

Quick access

Wi-Fi

Our sponsors

Getting there

Our sponsors

Our sponsors

Our sponsors

Our sponsors

2025 MELiSSA Conference

Dashboard

hYBRID EVENT : In-Person & Virtual Event

October 7-8-9

Parque de las CienciasGranada (Spain)

Dear participant,

Poster contest

Your personal preferences for the conference

Quick access

Wi-Fi

Tuesday, October 7th, 2025

Wednesday, October 8th, 2025

Thursday, October 9th, 2025

Our sponsors

Our sponsors

Our sponsors

Our sponsors

Parque de las Ciencias
Granada (Spain)