In the not-too-distant future, astronauts may dine on fresh salads grown on the Moon or in Martian greenhouses. But before that can happen, scientists must overcome a host of challenges to make space agriculture a reality. A new comprehensive review published in *Agriculture* delves into the complexities of cultivating plants beyond Earth, offering insights that could revolutionize both space exploration and terrestrial farming.
The review, led by Hassan Fazayeli of the Department of Biological Systems Engineering at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, examines the myriad obstacles to growing crops in extraterrestrial environments. These range from limited solar radiation and extreme temperature fluctuations to the unique composition of lunar and Martian soil, known as regolith, which lacks the nutrients and structure of Earth’s soil. “The environment on the Moon and Mars is vastly different from what we have on Earth,” Fazayeli explains. “We’re talking about high levels of radiation, low gravity, and atmospheres that are either nonexistent or composed of gases that are toxic to plants.”
One of the most pressing challenges is creating closed-loop systems that efficiently recycle water, nutrients, and gases. On Earth, these systems are already used in controlled-environment agriculture (CEA), such as vertical farms and greenhouses, but adapting them for space requires innovative solutions. The review highlights emerging strategies like advanced hydroponics, aeroponics, and the use of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) to monitor and automate plant growth. “The integration of AI and robotics could be a game-changer,” says Fazayeli. “These technologies can help us optimize resource use and ensure consistent crop yields, even in the harshest conditions.”
The research also emphasizes the importance of selecting and genetically engineering crops that can thrive in space. Plants like dwarf wheat, potatoes, and certain leafy greens are being studied for their potential to grow in extraterrestrial environments. Genetic modifications could enhance their ability to tolerate abiotic stresses, such as radiation and temperature extremes, making them more resilient.
Beyond the immediate applications for space exploration, the findings have significant implications for agriculture on Earth. The technologies and systems developed for space agriculture could be adapted to improve food security in extreme or resource-limited environments, such as arid regions or areas affected by climate change. “The lessons we learn from space agriculture can be applied to terrestrial farming,” Fazayeli notes. “For example, closed-loop systems and precision agriculture techniques could help us grow food more sustainably and efficiently here on Earth.”
The review underscores the need for interdisciplinary collaboration, bringing together experts from planetary science, plant biology, space systems engineering, biotechnology, and robotics. By integrating these diverse fields, researchers can develop comprehensive solutions that address the complex challenges of space agriculture.
As humanity prepares for prolonged missions to the Moon and Mars, the work of Fazayeli and his colleagues provides a roadmap for designing resilient and sustainable agricultural systems. The insights gained from this research could not only support future space settlements but also transform agriculture on Earth, paving the way for a more food-secure future.