Should humanity seek to relocate to Mars or the moon temporarily or permanently, the ability to grow food there is essential. The fundamental prerequisites, such as regolith soil and water (in the shape of ice), are available. But how can you grow crops in space, and what special considerations should you keep in mind? That, and more, is what you can learn during the Wageningen Space Farming summer school.
Scientist Wieger Wamelink began his quest for an efficient way for farmers to grow fruits and vegetables at their destinations in 2013.
"To my surprise, no one was working on how to cultivate vegetables on, mock, Martian and lunar soil," said Wieger Wamelink.
Meanwhile, vegetables are successfully grown on mock soils, but sustainable space cultivation requires more. Learn precisely what is needed during the Space Farming summer school, where we focus on a sustainable agricultural ecosystem.
"Simply growing vegetables is not enough. We must work on a sustainable and closed agro-ecosystem for Mars and the moon, as well as for Earth."
Those who think space farming is far removed are wrong. The circumstances under which you want to cultivate vegetables on Mars are not all that different from remote spots on Earth. Hence, we can also learn lessons that can be applied to our planet. You can become a part of that adventure during the summer school. What solutions will you contribute?
"Putting a human on Mars is one of the twenty-first century's greatest adventures."
Source: wur.nl