The miniature “moon-orit” could feed astronauts and perhaps also humanity.
10 centimeters, full of protein, capable of growing in a spacecraft. This is the objective of this Italian scientific project which upsets the codes of agriculture with mutant rice designed for long missions on the moon or Mars and which could well exceed the simple stage of the science fiction project!
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When you think of “spatial agriculture”, you first think of artificial light, water recycling, or controlled growth cycles, but there is a much stupid obstacle: the place.
On a lunar or Martian station, each square centimeter counts. Even the so -called “dwarf” varieties of rice often exceed 30 or 40 centimeters in height. It is too much for a pressurized capsule or a mini culture mini.
Astronauts, however, need fibers, vitamins, antioxidants. In short, expense. Vacuum dishes are no longer enough on missions of several months.
The Italian space agency, in connection with three major universities, has decided to attack the problem at the root. Literally.
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An assumed genetic mutation
Researchers therefore use directed mutagenesis. A method which consists in forcing the appearance of mutations in the genome of rice, using crispr-case or continuous cell rotations.
Objective: to give birth to an ultra-nap variety, capable of holding in 10 centimeters, while remaining productive.
Here are the main stages of the project:
| Phase | Objective | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Mutagenesis | Reduce plant size | 10 cm plants obtained |
| Genetic optimization | Improve the production structure | Key genes identified |
| Microgravity simulation | Testing spatial environmental behavior | Physiological response measured |
| Nutritional enrichment | Increase protein | Adjusted embryo/starch ratio |
One of the great difficulties comes from the vegetable hormone called GibBerelline. It is she who controls the size of the plants. By blocking it, you can get shorter stems. Problem: this often harms germination.
In space, a plant must be small, productive, resistant and nutritious. No question of sacrificing a parameter for the benefit of others. It is a real genetic headache.
Three universities, a common mission
The Moon-Rorice project is based on a well-oiled scientific triptych:
- The University of Milan takes care of rice genetics.
- The University of Rome Sapienza works on the physiology of cultures.
- The University of Naples Federico II focuses on plant production in space environment.
These crossed roles allow you to advance faster. In nine months, the teams have already obtained promising lines.
In Milan, the mutant plants do not exceed 10 centimeters. In Rome, researchers identify optimal structures to maximize photosynthesis despite the small size. In Naples, we test the cultivation conditions under simulated gravity, with turning trays that prevent the plant from “knowing” where is the upper or the bottom.
Plants that no longer need to know where heaven is
On earth, plants use gravity to push: the roots descend, the stems go up. In orbit, this reflex disappears.
To imitate these conditions, researchers place sowing in a continuous rotation system. Each face of the plant is subject to equal strength. The cells are thus activated in all directions at the same time. This disturbs the classic organization of plants … and allows you to see what mutations hold on.
Will the challenge are also psychological: a “high” or “low” plant will it continue to produce seeds, absorb light, react as on earth? This is the whole object of the tests of the biologist Marta del Bianco.
She explains: “In microgravity, the plant must do without a benchmark. If it continues to grow normally, it is a viable variety for space. »»
A lunar seed to solve very terrestrial problems
The goal of Moon-Rorice far exceeds the lunar missions. Because a plant capable of growing in a pressurized dome on the Moon could also grow:
- In Antarctica
- In the Sahara desert
- In high mountains
- In urban containers
- Or even in rescue shelters after a disaster
Miniature rice enriched with protein could become a basic food in extreme contexts. Less expensive to transport, easier to grow independently, it could even reduce meat dependence in closed environments.
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A scientific showcase presented in Belgium
The first results of the project were presented on July 9, 2025, during the annual congress of the Society for Experimental Biology in Antwerp. The reactions were enthusiastic.
The experience, still in progress, will last four years. But the researchers hope to deposit patents, or even offer agricultural applications in the next two years.
If it leads, Moon-Rorice could become a perfect example of spatial innovation applied to the living: a technology developed for space, but which finds immediate use here below. A moon seed… which could germinate in our plates.
Source :
https://iafastro.directory/iac/archive/tree/IAC-24/A1/7/IAC-24,A1,7,13,x87283.brief.pdf
Image :
Legend :
Collection of rice plants transferred by Crispr-Cas.
Credit :
With the kind permission of the University of Milan.
