Core Viewpoint - A team of scientists, including NASA researchers, has identified critical gaps in NASA's development of biological life support systems, which may hinder the U.S. in long-term manned space exploration and habitation, especially in competition with China [1][2]. Group 1: Current State of U.S. Space Life Support Systems - The U.S. space life support systems, including those used on the International Space Station, rely on supply missions for essential resources like water and food [1]. - Long-term manned missions beyond Earth's orbit face significant costs and logistical challenges due to reliance on supply launches, alongside safety concerns regarding radiation and microgravity effects on human health [2]. Group 2: Biological Life Support Systems (BLSS) - Biological life support systems (BLSS) are seen as a superior solution for long-term deep space missions, utilizing plants, animals, and microorganisms to create a sustainable closed-loop environment [2]. - The lack of available BLSS technology and systems is currently limiting the goals of manned lunar exploration programs [2]. Group 3: Historical Context and Funding Issues - NASA previously focused on biological regeneration methods in the 1990s, which led to the development of sustainable agricultural systems for space exploration [5]. - A significant shift in focus and budget cuts in 2004 led to the dismantling of the BIO-Plex project, which aimed to test life support systems for future space missions [5][6]. - Since the early 2000s, U.S. support for biological regeneration life support research has weakened, while China has actively supported and advanced this research over the past 20 years [6]. Group 4: Comparison with China's Space Program - China's space agency has made significant strides in developing biological life support systems, exemplified by projects like "Moon Palace 1," which is a closed ecological system for lunar base research [6]. - The collaboration between China and Russia on the International Lunar Research Station project highlights China's advancements in this field, surpassing U.S. efforts [8][9]. - The U.S. space program currently lacks a comprehensive plan to rebuild the capabilities lost since the cancellation of the BIO-Plex project, facing years of challenges to restore necessary infrastructure [9]. Group 5: Future Implications - The ongoing challenges in U.S. space research funding and the division between lunar and Mars project priorities may hinder progress in biological life support systems [11]. - Advancements in biological life support research could also benefit terrestrial applications, such as controlled agriculture and precision medicine, emphasizing the importance of these technologies for sustainable living on Earth [12].