Spatial rice that will nourish astronauts on the moon

Food remains one of the largest challenges of long -term space missions. Similarly, Until now, astronauts depend on lyophilized meals, not very varied and delicious in logistics.

But the situation changes: Italian researchers. Furthermore, supported by The Italian space agencyhave developed a variety of riz genetically modifiedcapable of pushing in extreme conditions and providing a complete nutritional intake.

This “Moon Rice”, only 10 cmcould soon push In lunar modulesoffering a concrete solution to the quest for food autonomy. Consequently, A daring bet, which mixes biotechnology, space engineering and health issues for crews.

Moon Rice: a miniature super-riz cut for space – Spatial rice will nourish astronauts

Why bet on the riz ? Consequently, This grain, pillar of world diet, has unique advantages: rapid growth, high yield, and ability to be enriched with protein.

Genetically modified rice to meet the imperatives of lunar colonization
(Credit: University of Milan, CC by-NND license)

But it remained to “miniaturize” the plant so that it holds in the confined spaces of lunar stations. Nevertheless, Classic varieties exceed 50 cm. Moreover, Here, scientists have selected dwarf mutants, capable of producing grains while not exceeding the size of a smartphone.

This gives a Moon Rice10 cm. easy to cultivate in hydroponie and whose nutritional value has been boosted to compensate for the absence of meat and fresh products.

Lunar challenges: growth, nutrition and microgravity

Cultivating plants on the moon is not limited to the place available. You also have to deal with a hostile environment : low severity, radiation, lack of water and nutrients. Researchers simulate microgravity in the laboratory, spatial rice will nourish astronauts turning the plants on themselves to observe their adaptation.

The Moon Ricemust also withstand temperature variations and flourish in artificial light. Another issue: enrich the grain with protein, vitamins and antioxidants, to offer astronauts an almost complete food.

The project aims to increase the proportion of embryos in each grain, where proteins are concentrated, while reducing starch. A scientific puzzle, but the first results are promising.

Benefits for terrestrial astronauts. fallout

The Moon Ricedoes not nourish that the body: it also supports morale of the crews. Cultivate living plants, observe their growth, harvest and cook fresh rice … So many gestures that break the monotony of long missions and reduce stress.

On the medical level. a spatial rice will nourish astronauts regular supply of fresh nutrients limits bone loss, muscle atrophy and cardiovascular disorders linked to weightlessness. Beyond space. innovations from the Moon Rice could take advantage of agriculture on earthespecially in urban areas, deserts or polar regions where space and resources are limited.

The Moon Rice is not just a laboratory gadget: it symbolizes a new era for space food. where each grain counts for the health, autonomy and morale of the pioneers of the moon.

The next step? Testing productivity and nutritional quality during real missions, before perhaps seeing this super-riz also land on earth … then try its luck on other planets within the framework of a multiplanetary human expansion.