THE FUNCTION OF THE HETEROTROPHIC EFFICIENCY ORGANISM AS LINK OF THE FOOD-CHAIN OF THE CLOSED ECOSYSTEM IN MICROGRAVITY CONDITIONS

In this presentation suggestions are formulated for further experimental projects aimed to solve the problem of the accomplishment of the reproduction cycle of Japanese quail in microgravity conditions and to grow a cosmic population of these animals. The focus is to achieve fertilization, control the embryonic development in the oviduct and the early post-incubation development of Japanese quail in weightlessness. The final aim is to provide the function of the heterotrophic efficiency organism in an autonomous closed ecosystem as link of a food chain with feedbacks to other parts of the ecosystem. It is suggested to create a model of a closed system comprising a food chain with the whole spectrum of technologies employed on Earth and gradually develop an experimental biological laboratory on orbital stations that would be fundamental for the development of a technological complex for food production on planetary stations.