Amadee-24-Hort3Space

Details

Summary

Future long-term space missions and human habitation on other planets such as Mars require a controlled ecological life-support system. Its purpose is to basically re-create a proper atmosphere, purify water and possibly sow seeds for astronauts to eat. These processes are ensured by photosynthetic algae and higher plants in a so-called “biological life support system” (BLSS).

Since the AMADEE-24 mission site mimics the harsh space environment, it is the perfect location to test such systems. Here, productive plant species shall be grown considering factors such as the absence of soil, shortage of water, limited space available. The experiment Hort3Space is therefore focusing on “microgreens” -leafy vegetables harvested as seedlings, highly acceptable by consumers as “Ready-To-Eat” (RTE) food. They are highly nutritious, hence an excellent source of vitamins and antioxidants.

The aim of this experiment is to develop and test innovative and autonomous cultivation systems that can grow fresh food with the minimum human intervention. This way, supply transportation for long-term missions can be reduced.

To realize this experiment, a sterile grow room in an inflatable self-erecting tent will be used to evaluate cultivation performances in extreme environments, simulating a planetary biological life support system (BLSS). It will be able to support the diet of the crew members of the analogue mission with fresh and highly nutritious, ready-to-eat vegetables. Additionally, the use of automated processes shall reduce analogue astronaut’s time required for cultivation task.

Experiment Data