# Space food production and agricultural research

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/space-food-production-and-agricultural-research
> Updated: 2026-08-29T09:25:10.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

Researchers and space agencies are developing diverse food production technologies to support long-term human presence on the Moon and Mars. Because transporting supplies from Earth is considered too costly and complex for permanent colonies, focus has shifted toward self-sustaining methods.

Key approaches include hydroponics, which uses nutrient-rich water instead of soil to grow crops like lettuce, tomatoes, and broccoli. Other innovations involve using mycelium to produce edible protein and upcycling plastic waste into nutrients via genetically programmed microbes. These technologies aim to provide essential proteins, fats, and vitamins while minimizing water, energy, and waste consumption.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-29: Space agriculture: Scientists grow crops for Moon and Mars missions

Scientists are experimenting with space agriculture and hydroponics to enable food production for future human settlements on the Moon and Mars.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/space-agriculture-scientists-grow-crops-for-moon-and-mars-missions

### 2026-08-24: Space food innovation targets Mars missions and Earth sustainability

Scientists are developing space-ready food technologies, including mycelium-based proteins and cookies upcycled from plastic waste, to sustain long-term missions to Mars.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/space-food-innovation-targets-mars-missions-and-earth-sustainability

---
Cite as: Space food production and agricultural research. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/space-food-production-and-agricultural-research