Recently I saw a video on Codyslab, where a “algae panel” was constructed. This is set up like a solar panel and uses algae to converts light and air into food and oxygen.

This got me wondering how useful such a device would be in long term space life. How much algae would you need in order to support 1 person’s calorie and oxygen needs?

Your answer should include

• The mass of the algae
• The mass of water needed to support it
• The mass of any containment needed
• The size of any containment needed

You can assume that the craft is located at a distance from the sun equal to the mean distance of earth from the sun. You can use any algae species you want, however it must of course be edible.