Invention:
This technology is a vertical farm designed specifically for the controlled- environment crop and food production function of a bioregenerative space life support system. It would enable long-duration crewed missions on the Moon, Mars and beyond while mitigating the impacts of extreme extraterrestrial environments.
Background:
Vertical farming is used on Earth to ease supply chains by providing local produce, vastly increasing the capability of farm space and for research into future farming techniques. This technology is the target of many scientists and companies that want to explore the Moon and Mars due to its effectiveness at creating and maintaining significant crop systems. These farms could also play a large role in extraterrestrial bioregenerative life support systems. While this is an advanced technology, research into innovative facilities and space food techniques has already begun and the markets are developing.
Applications:
- Vertical farming
- Automated farming
- Smart/IoT agriculture
- Extraterrestrial cave farming
- Bioregenerative life support systems
Advantages:
- Burrowing
- Vastly increases farm space capability
- Applicable to a wide range of environments
