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Microorganisms are unique from the standpoint that they can be employed as self-replicating bio-factories to produce both native and engineered mission relevant bio-products. Methane (CH₄) usage in In-Space Manufacturing (ISM) platforms has been discussed previously for human exploration and has been proposed to be used in physicochemical systems as a propulsion fuel, supply gas, and in fuel cells. Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) is abundant on Mars and manned spacecraft. On the International Space Station (ISS), NASA reacts excess CO₂ with Hydrogen (H₂) to generate CH₄ and Water (H₂O) using the Sabatier System (Figure 1). The resulting water is recovered in the ISS, but the methane is vented to space. Recapturing this methane and using it for microbial manufacturing could provide a unique approach in development of in-space bio-manufacturing. Thus, there is a capability need for systems that convert methane into valuable materials. Methane (CH₄) is a potential carbon substrate for methanotrophic microorganisms which are able to metabolize CH₄ into biomass. The innovative technology from NASA Ames Research Center ports Soluble Methane Monooxygenase (sMMO) to <i>Pichia</i>, that is, it moves the methane metabolism into a robust microbial factory (<i>Pichia pastoris</i>) (Figure 2). The yeast <i>Pichia pastoris</i> is a refined microbial factory that is used widely by industry because it efficiently secretes products. <i>Pichia</i> could produce a variety of useful products in space. <i>Pichia</i> does not consume methane but robustly consumes methanol, which is one enzymatic step removed from methane. This novel innovation engineers <i>Pichia</i> to consume methane thereby creating a powerful methane-consuming microbial factory and utilizing methane in a robust and flexible synthetic biology platform.

The SSS-Joint is an interlocking joint system for joining structure components such as struts, flat truss frames, and volumetric truss bays together to build bigger and more complex structure systems. The SSS-Joint interface can be applied to various connection scenarios commonly found in truss structure assembly, including but not limited to strut-to-strut connections, strut-to-node connections, and half-node-to-half-node connections. By incorporating half-node joints, the number of standalone components can be reduced by over 52%, and assembly steps can be decreased by over 65% compared to traditional truss tessellations without half-nodes. In the current design, a single screwdriver can assemble all connections. The interlocking geometry of the SSS-joint features built-in guiding elements to aid the alignment process. Once in place, the screwdriver can rotate and engage with the spring-loaded captive lock-screw on the joint. The screwdriver tip does not need to be perfectly aligned, as the spring-loaded lock-screw will automatically pop into place within half a rotation after contact. This design dramatically reduces the complexity of the assembly process and eliminates the need for loose fasteners or specialized tools. The SSS-joint offers a robust, lightweight, and scalable solution for modular structural assembly in space and terrestrial applications alike. The SSS-Joint has reached Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5 (validated in a relevant environment) and is available for patent licensing.