DLR, NASA and CSA explore greenhouse designs for future Moon missions
The partners plan to decide by 2032 at the latest whether and how to construct an Earth-based demonstrator.
Greenhouse designs to grow fresh food for astronauts on extended Moon missions are being developed by the German Aerospace Center (DLR), NASA and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). The work focuses on cultivation systems that would not depend on the Moon’s natural environment.
Under the Lunar Agriculture Module - Ground Test Demonstrator (LAM-GTD) project, the partners envisage an initial facility on Earth. A greenhouse would connect directly to simulated astronaut living and working quarters, allowing researchers to investigate crop development and test how the growing area and habitat could supply one another. A decision on construction is intended by 2032 at the latest.
The research would extend beyond the small cultivation experiments NASA has conducted aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Those experiments have produced crops including chilli peppers, lettuce and Chinese cabbage. The aim now is to develop systems large and complex enough to provide food for whole crews.
DLR’s previous work includes EDEN ISS, an Antarctic greenhouse near Germany’s Neumayer III research station. Between 2018 and 2023, researchers harvested around one tonne of fresh vegetables there. Artificial nutrient solutions, irrigation and LED lamps supported cultivation without soil or sunlight, producing crops including strawberries, radishes, cucumbers, tomatoes and lettuce.
