We apply this system to study the biological upcycling of the commonly used polymer poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) in space in a two-step system in which PET film is enzymatically degraded and microbially upcycled. First, PET is depolymerized by the enzyme PETase, and second, the released monomers are pumped to a microbial chamber where an engineered bacterium converts the monomers to a higher-value product, namely beta-ketoadipic acid (BKA). BKA can be polymerized into a polyamide (nylon) material with improved properties over nylon-6,6 - a versatile polymer used in the production of textiles and molded parts including air intake manifolds, electro-insulation elements, and hinges. This platform also enables serial sample collection and storage for terrestrial analysis including RNA and DNA sequencing as well as proteomics. We posit our open-source system will enable increased access to synthetic biology experiments and applications in spaceflight that will ultimately enable resource-sustainability in space travel.