Testing superfoods for space travel

Astronauts and other future travelers on extended space travel need healthy and appetizing foods. The criteria for foods suitable for space travel are a tall order: nutritious, fast growing crops that can survive in extreme environments, use minimal resources, and take up a small space.

NASA partnered with a university through its NASA’s Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) program to develop a hydroponic system for growing plants that don’t need soil. Because water doesn’t stay in one place in zero gravity, the food must also grow in very little water. The partners developed a microgravity Lilypond that achieves the goal. This new technology needs further testing and refinement. Ag experimentation in space needs you!

Learn more at nasa.gov.