Feeding 400...
Alfisti's picture
Posted on:
Friday, July 28, 2017 - 17:42

...at least enough so we don't have a scurvy problem.

As we are in the process of starting to populate out basic hull design with its required systems, attention must also turn to some of the less sexy aspects, such as stores and provisioning. Maintaining sufficient perishable stores aboard to feed 400 warm bodies for six months, not to mention the additional 6 month reserve, will be no mean feat, even taking into account the capacities of frozen, tinned, and dried stores. In which case, is it worth considering space for some capacity to cultivate food aboard through a hydroponic system. While it may not be feasible (or even sensible) to rely on such a system for all meal requirements, it may be enough to ensure the occasional fresh lettuce leaf or tomato arrives on the crew's plates.

Of course, hydroponics will use of volume, mass, and power. However, if people think it worthwhile, it might be worth conducting some study into how hydroponic yield over time would match up against the volume, mass, and power requirements for storing an equivalent amount of provision over that same period.

 

 

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mattm's picture

Submitted by mattm on July 29, 2017 - 11:08

In theory we could probably get away with freeze-dried ration packs and have the crew maintain their health. But other aspects of the vessel's design are intended to prioritise the crew's well-being alongside the vessel's operational efficiency. They'll be in deep space for extended periods at a time and there's no reason they can't be comfortable while they're there.

So I agree there's plenty of merit in exploring fresh food supply, even if it has to be limited to augmenting regular food supplies for space/energy reasons.

There are lessons to be had from nuclear ballistic submarine cruises which last to three months, submerged almost the entire time. Fresh food begins to run out a few weeks in, making the back half of the cruise much less enjoyable and/or nutritionally healthy for the crew. A good reference is Big Red: Three Months on Board a Trident Nuclear Submarine by Doug Waller.

Alfisti's picture

Submitted by Alfisti on July 30, 2017 - 12:04

Sounds interesting, I'll look the book up.

I suspect balancing crew well being and performance of the vessel is going to be a real challenge as, with any operational ship, mass and volume are going to be at a premium. On that note though, a small hydroponic facility could well serve double purpose by giving people a place to simply go and relax amongst some green for a bit.

robh's picture

Submitted by robh on July 30, 2017 - 13:34

Wasn't Cook's first voyage (on Endevaour) noted for its success in promoting nutrition to prevent scurvy? I recall that was one of the first long journeys not to lose crew to scurvy.

So historical precent there!

Alfisti's picture

Submitted by Alfisti on July 31, 2017 - 20:56

Good point, I believe he did... though I'm not entirely certain of the merits of feeding everyone cabbage whilst confined in a pressurised tin can with recycled atmosphere. =P

mattm's picture

Submitted by mattm on August 2, 2017 - 14:39

Anyone from environmental engineering? ;o)

Astarlia's picture

Submitted by Astarlia on August 16, 2017 - 18:51

You know I'm not too big on the ship building side of things, but this is the kind of nerdy research I could do if you needed.  Unless Wilcox or one of the other new people wants to take a crack at it? :)

Alfisti's picture

Submitted by Alfisti on August 17, 2017 - 17:39

Honestly if you, or someone else (whoever's keen), could pull together some rough numbers (yields/m2 or m3, growing itmes, energy/water usage, size of the machinery to run it, that type of thing) it would really help in terms of working out the viability... and whether it's a case of "yes, dedicate space to it"; "not worth dedicating space to, but perhaps decoration that can also be useful"; or "no, not at all".

Astarlia's picture

Submitted by Astarlia on September 7, 2017 - 10:35

Well we have the power of 'aliens made it better' right?  Even if we can't do it with current  tech I'm sure we could come up with a way the alien tech could adress the flaws.  

But yes, I'll do some research on what kind of things we should consider and what kind of space we would need. 

Astarlia's picture

Submitted by Astarlia on August 16, 2017 - 18:56

If this forum had an option for just 'liking' posts that are useful/funny I would totally apply it to this <3

Astarlia's picture

Submitted by Astarlia on August 16, 2017 - 18:48

Especially if we can combine it with one of the social areas.  Humans like green things :)

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