Food:

Space Farming: Growing Food Beyond Earth

• Hydroponics & Aeroponics: Soil-free systems that use nutrient-rich water or mist to grow crops efficiently in microgravity.
• LED Lighting: Mimics sunlight for photosynthesis, crucial in enclosed habitats or shadowed lunar bases.
• Radiation-Shielded Domes: Protect crops from cosmic rays while maintaining optimal temperature and humidity.

🌾 Bioregenerative Life Support Systems

• These closed-loop ecosystems recycle human waste, CO₂, and water to grow plants—turning astronauts into part of the nutrient cycle.
• Projects like Eu:CROPIS have tested tomato cultivation using urine-derived fertilizer and algae for oxygen production.

🧬 Nutrition & Psychological Wellbeing

• Fresh produce isn’t just about calories—it boosts morale, mental health, and provides essential micronutrients that degrade in packaged food over time.
• Space-grown crops like lettuce, radishes, and peppers have already been harvested aboard the ISS.

🐛 Alternative Proteins & Circular Agriculture

• Mealworms and fungi are being explored as protein sources that thrive in confined, low-resource environments.
• These organisms can convert inedible biomass into food, reducing waste and maximizing efficiency.

🌍 Lessons for Earth

• Space agriculture teaches us how to grow food in extreme conditions—knowledge that’s vital for climate-resilient farming on Earth.