Introduction: Developing sustainable food systems for long-term space missions has become a priority
in space research. Mushrooms are suitable for extraterrestrial farming due to their fast
growth, lack of dependency on light, and high nutritional value. Studies have shown
mushrooms can grow under controlled conditions with artificial light (Smith et al., 2024).
However, detailed research on compatibility with actual lunar and Martian soil and
atmospheric conditions is still lacking. This study aims to examine the growth of
mushrooms under simulated lunar and Martian conditions.
Pleurotus florida, a Florida strain of oyster mushroom, typically grows in temperatures
between 20–30°C, needs slightly acidic to neutral pH soil, and thrives in nutrient-rich,
moist environments with about 90% hum
Methods: This is an experimental simulation study conducted in a controlled laboratory
environment. Quantitative and qualitative growth of Pleurotus florida was measured.
Three environments were tested:
- Controlled Earth environment (control group)
- Simulated Martian environment
- Simulated lunar environment
Independent variables: Soil type and temperature
Dependent variable: Growth of Pleurotus florida
Watering levels were kept consistent across samples.
Equipment used: Beakers, incubator, pestle and mortar, thermometer, graduated pipette,
scale
Simulation setup:
- Mars Simulation Soil Mix:
225g silicon dioxide
75g aluminum oxide
35g iron oxide
30g calcium oxide
30g sodium oxide
10g potassium oxide
5g magnesium oxide
5g manganese oxide
2.5g perchlorates
10g carbonates
5g sulfates
2.5g titanium oxide
- Lunar Simulation Soil Mix:
225g basalt or volcanic ash
150g iron powder
75g silica sand
15g white cement
15g gypsum
10g ceramic soil
45g talcum powder
5g white glass powder
5g titanium oxid
Results: Based on predictions and soil compositions (including pH, temperature, relative
humidity, and light), we expect the best growth in Earth soil, followed by moderate
growth in lunar soil due to better light and pH compatibility. Martian soil is expected to
produce the lowest growth due to poor pH and temperature suitability.
Conclusion: Earth has the highest efficiency, the Moon has lower efficiency than Earth, and Mars has low efficiency.