Together with Nasa, the Gaia project has developed an automatic system for growing leafy vegetables on space shuttles. Now they are reviewing whether there is an opportunity to use the technology on Earth as well. In apartments, refrigerator-sized versions could supply households with what they need.
The cultivation system is described as an ultra-compact, highly efficient agriculture where light, temperature and air quality are constantly kept under control and automatically adjusted as needed. Water and nutrients enter from one direction and waste material leaves in another direction. The tank also cleans itself through a sterilization system.
More sustainable agriculture
As the plants grow, the place between them is adjusted. All to use minimal space, light and water – which is necessary in spacecraft but is also beneficial on Earth.
The aim is now to use the technology to make farming and cultivation more sustainable, and to meet future challenges.
– Climate change has a major impact on the ability to ensure food production and we have a growing population, says Michael Bridges, environmental research analyst at the Gaia project.
See The world of science – Food 2.0 on SVT Play or on September 18 at 20:00 on SVT2