Canada: How do you grow food in space? Guelph researchers to help judge innovative ideas
‘One of the goals of this challenge is to innovate and think outside the box,’ says Thomas Graham
By Tiffany Mongu
CBC News
Aug 7, 2021
Excerpt:
As well, the challenge website says the technology could be used on Earth to grow food in urban centers as well as in remote and harsh environments.
Clélia Cothier, project manager for the challenge at the Canadian Space Agency, said in a release that it’s hoped the technology could be used in remote and Northern communities.
“The goal is to positively impact Canada beyond just space missions,” Cothier said.
Graham said one of the challenges in figuring out how to grow plants on the surface of the moon, for example, has been the extreme environment that astronauts have to exist in while they’re staying there. Temperatures can vary wildly and there’s also a difference in radiation.
But learning how to grow plans in space could enhance a human’s experience and benefit their mental health, he said..
“Plants in space are very important from a psychological perspective,” said Graham. “If you’re stuck in a tin can, it’s nice to have some green stuff around to brighten your day.”
Plants are the life-support technology for humans that are going deep into space and Graham says it’s a must for astronauts to take while travelling.
“They are our life support system, we need them and that’s a general consensus with space agencies around the world,” he said.
