NASA · Space

International Partners Advance Space Crop Research

NASA, the Canadian Space Agency, and the German Aerospace Center are collaborating on a ground-based demonstrator to develop technologies for growing crops on the Moon.

The initiative, called the Lunar Agriculture Module-Ground Test Demonstrator (LAM-GTD), aims to create systems for growing space crops in environments mimicking future Moon bases. This research is crucial for enabling astronauts to undertake longer missions farther from Earth.

Growing crops in space offers astronauts vital whole-food nutrition and dietary variety. Additionally, plants can contribute to life support by absorbing carbon dioxide, producing oxygen, and recycling water, capabilities that become more critical for extended deep space exploration.

The LAM-GTD is a preparatory step towards establishing infrastructure for a sustained human presence near the Moon's South Pole, supporting scientific advancements and future Mars missions.

Horticulture scientist Blake Costine is shown adjusting moisture sensors for the Advanced Plant Imaging project at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. This project utilizes hyperspectral cameras to evaluate plant health within the Plant Production Area.

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