Chapter 1: Introduction to the Concept

In our ongoing series addressing subscriber inquiries, today's question delves into an intriguing topic: Can plants effectively provide oxygen for a spacecraft? While it may seem like a trivial query, it arises from observations in popular culture, such as a movie (whose title eludes me) where a spaceship maintains a self-sustaining ecosystem of plants for oxygen production. So, what is the current feasibility of utilizing plants for oxygen in long-duration space missions?

You might recall similar concepts portrayed in the TV series "Expanse" (Space). On average, a single leaf of a plant generates approximately 5 milliliters of oxygen each hour. This figure can fluctuate based on various factors, including the plant species (some produce more, while others generate less), the size of the leaves, the concentration of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the atmosphere, and the intensity of light exposure. For our discussion, let’s consider a standard “room temperature” setting to provide a baseline for these values.

Chapter 2: Oxygen Requirements for Humans

An average human requires around 50 liters of oxygen each hour. Therefore, to establish a sustainable oxygen cycle through photosynthesis aboard a spacecraft, roughly 10,000 leaves are necessary for each individual. For context, a typical 10 to 12-year-old oak tree boasts between 100,000 to 150,000 leaves. Consequently, a single oak might suffice to provide adequate oxygen for a crew of ten.

Chapter 3: Expert Insights and Community Engagement

I must clarify that I am not a biologist, and my calculations may not be entirely precise. If any experts in the field are viewing this, I welcome corrections or additional insights through comments or private messages.

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