Lunar Farming and Excavation Technologies Progress Toward Sustainable Moon Bases

Researchers from Tohoku University and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) have demonstrated a low‑power plasma device that synthesises nitrogen fertilizer (N₂O₅) from atmospheric air. The resulting solution neutralises lunar regolith simulant, releases essential minerals and suppresses toxic aluminium, enabling rice seedlings to grow significantly better than with plain water. The process operates on less than 100 W of electricity and could also reduce environmental impacts of agriculture on Earth.

In parallel, the lunar‑resources firm Interlune and industrial‑equipment maker Vermeer Corporation are developing an autonomous excavation system designed to level and prepare the Moon’s surface for construction. A prototype rover‑mounted excavator, unveiled in 2025, is being refined for a mission‑ready tool targeted for 2028, aiming to support permanent lunar infrastructure and resource extraction with minimal human control.