The BORING (BurrOwing & Regenerative IN-Ground) Vertical Farm for the Moon, Mars and Beyond

Case ID:
UA23-015
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 currently 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 as well 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 currently 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
Patent Information:
Contact For More Information:
Tod McCauley
Assistant Director of Licensing, CALS
The University of Arizona
520-621-9493
todm@tla.arizona.edu
Lead Inventor(s):
Joel Cuello
Matteo Pietrobelli
Mackenze McAleer
Keywords: