Embracing Research, Development, and Innovation in Space Farming - a Brazilian Experience
- Paper number
IAC-24,A3,1,14,x87893
- Author
Dr. ALESSANDRA FAVERO, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA), Brazil
- Coauthor
Dr. Carlos Lima, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA), Brazil
- Coauthor
Dr. Mauricio Lopes, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA), Brazil
- Coauthor
Dr. Gustavo Maia, Federal University of Pelotas - UFPel, Brazil
- Coauthor
Dr. Claudio Federico, Institute for Advanced Studies - IEAv, Brazil
- Coauthor
Prof.Dr. Paulo Rodrigues, Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture University of Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Coauthor
Dr. Clarissa Silva Pires de Castro, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA), Brazil
- Coauthor
Dr. Larissa Vendrame, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA), Brazil
- Coauthor
Dr. Mauricio Pazzianoto, ITA-DCTA, Brazil
- Coauthor
Dr. Wagner Vendrame, University of Florida, United States
- Coauthor
Prof.Dr. Priscila Fernandes, Instituto Tecnológico de Aeronáutica (ITA), Brazil
- Coauthor
Dr. Vania Techio, Federal University of Lavras - UFLA, Brazil
- Coauthor
Dr. Giovana Torres, Federal University of Lavras - UFLA, Brazil
- Coauthor
Dr. Eugenia Braga, Federal University of Pelotas - UFPel, Brazil
- Coauthor
Prof.Dr. Antonio Augusto F Garcia, Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture University of Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Coauthor
Dr. Julio Rezende, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Brazil
- Coauthor
Dr. Luis Felipe Villani Purquerio, Agronomic Institute of Campinas - IAC, Brazil
- Coauthor
Dr. Felix Siqueira, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA), Brazil
- Coauthor
Dr. Paulino Villas-Boas, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA), Brazil
- Coauthor
Dr. Mariangela Hungria, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA), Brazil
- Coauthor
Dr. Luiz Colnago, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA), Brazil
- Coauthor
Dr. Guilherme Pereira, Universidade Federal de Viçosa - UFV, Brazil
- Coauthor
Dr. Fabio Suinaga, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA), Brazil
- Coauthor
Dr. Ana Rita Nogueira, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA), Brazil
- Coauthor
ADENILSON ROBERTO DA SILVA, Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais (INPE)
- Coauthor
Mrs. Bianca Vigna, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA), Brazil
- Coauthor
Dr. Italo Moraes Rocha Guedes, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA), Brazil
- Coauthor
Prof.Dr. Douglas Galante, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Coauthor
Prof.Dr. Fabio Rodrigues, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Coauthor
Dr. Fernando Aragao, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA), Brazil
- Coauthor
Dr. Juscimar da Silva, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA), Brazil
- Coauthor
Dr. Lucimeire Pilon, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA), Brazil
- Coauthor
Dr. Marcos Braga, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA), Brazil
- Coauthor
Dr. Mariana Fontenelle, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA), Brazil
- Coauthor
Dr. Renata Nassu, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA), Brazil
- Coauthor
Prof. Augusto Tulmann Neto, Center for Nuclear Energy in Agriculture (CENA), Brazil
- Year
2024
- Abstract
Recently, the Brazilian Space Agency (AEB) and the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA) signed a protocol of intentions within the Artemis Project to undertake research, development, and innovation projects related to Space Farming. The initiative aims to support the pursuit of technological solutions for Space Farming, along with potential terrestrial applications. The resulting research platform - called Space Farming Brazil, comprises almost 40 researchers from 12 Brazilian research institutions and one US university. This interdisciplinary team envisions the program covering two main areas: space plant breeding and the development of modules for self-sustainable agricultural production systems tailored to lunar conditions. Initially, the focus will be on two plant species: chickpeas and sweet potatoes, selected for their nutritional value and adaptability to challenging environmental conditions. These species serve as crucial sources of high-quality protein and energy. Moreover, the presence of biofortified genetic materials, rich in antioxidants like anthocyanins, holds promise for maintaining human health during space missions by potentially mitigating the adverse effects of stressors such as ionizing radiation. Addressing the abiotic stress tolerance of crops on the Moon is a primary objective of the project's first phase. The aim is to overcome challenges posed by ionizing radiation, microgravity, high thermal amplitude, limited water availability in liquid form, and essential nutrient scarcity. Another goal is to induce mutations in plants under space conditions to obtain genetic material better adapted to specific challenges, including those related to global climate change. Establishing initial colonies will require adaptations to controlled-environment agricultural production systems currently utilized on Earth. Key components include more efficient energy generation and storage systems, the development of biogenerative systems for space conditions, materials engineering, design, and prototyping for improved efficiency in area and water usage, the cultivation of genetic material suited to extreme stress conditions, automated systems to reduce astronaut workload, and the exploration of beneficial microorganisms for crop production in space environments. All program experiments will be carried out in accordance with international quality requirements.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
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