Unique R&D Infrastructure for closed-loop food production in space and on Earth

Abstract

There is a reinvigoration of human space travel and the goal is to establish a lunar base with a continuous human presence by 2030, a vital step towards reaching Mars. However, a formidable challenge emerges: while technology can transport humans to the Moon, a self-sustaining food system is lacking, making food a limiting factor for extended space travel. Logistical and economic constraints, coupled with food acceptability challenges, render Earth-dependent resupply missions impractical for future lunar habitats. Consequently, in situ food production becomes imperative for sustained human space travel. Research has explored methods like insect farming, cultivated meat, and Controlled Environmental Agriculture (CEA), yet critical aspects like nutrient-rich crop production and post-harvest management remain overlooked. Addressing these gaps is crucial for establishing independent, variable, and nutritionally adequate food production on the Moon. Food processing enhances shelf life, nutritional quality, introduces new crop varieties, and facilitates the creation of novel products. It enables the processing, preparation, and storage of staple foods and alternative protein sources, contributing to a diverse and sustainable diet over extended missions. In the current fragmented landscape of space food research, the lack of a cohesive, integrated approach hinders progress. A holistic strategy is essential to systematically test synergies between innovations and human involvement. The proposed solution is a centralized research facility integrating post-harvest management and CEA, augmented by cutting-edge laboratory infrastructure. This facility acts as a versatile closed-loop food production system tailored for lunar habitats, fostering collaboration, accelerating research, and addressing critical gaps in the space food production ecosystem.The urgency of this initiative aligns with the plans of international space agencies to establish a constant human presence on the Moon within the decade. The research facility not only addresses the immediate need for advanced food production capabilities for prolonged lunar missions but also lays the groundwork for sustainable food systems in extraterrestrial and terrestrial environments. This comprehensive platform catalyzes collaboration, bridges gaps, and expedites research in space food production, propelling the realization of sustainable food systems for future space missions and on Earth.