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14 -18 June, St. Petersburg

Martian lava provides fertile soil for futuristic space farm

Urban Crop Solutions presents their latest technology at GLEX (Global Space Exploration Conference) in St. Petersburg, Russia.

The Global Space Exploration Conference (GLEX) 2021 celebrates the 60th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin’s spaceflight and the marking of humankind’s spaceflight era. It is set to take place in St. Petersburg, Russia, between 14 and 18 June. The conference will bring together several leaders and decision-makers within the science and human exploration community – to discuss recent findings and innovative solutions to current challenges.

Among them will be Serge Ameye of Urban Crop Solutions. He will be presenting the Variable Climate Biosphere, a macro life support system that aims to create the best-suited environment for humans and plants to thrive during extended periods of isolation, either on another planet – namely, the moon and Mars, or on earth in an underground shelter. The assumption is that humans will in both instances, use lava tunnels or caves as their first life of defense against radiation and sandstorms.

The envelope of the solution is constructed from readily available lava or basalt-made geopolymers, and titanium-reinforced walls and roof, while the inside is lined with a titanium plate. The interior of the biosphere simulates accurately the weather conditions of any major climate zones on planet earth. The tests that have been run have proven that lava and basalt granules form a perfect substrate for plants in fully controlled environments – beating those obtained from open field cultures in terms of nutritional qualities, yield, and organic substrates used in vertical farming.

The presentation will showcase the 3D renderings, as well as the results that have so far been obtained. A patent is pending.   

 
 
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