Scientists Invent Mini-Greenhouses for the Moon

Scientists recently developed state-of-the-art miniature greenhouses that can provide nourishment for residents of future lunar colonies.

By Kathryn Hawkins. Posted on May 13 2009

Image: iStockphoto

Contrary to your childhood beliefs, the moon is not, in fact, made of cheese. Which begs the question—if we humans ever create our own lunar colony, whatever shall we eat?

Well, we haven’t started building McMansions up there yet, but some scientists are busy working on the food question already. Researchers from Paragon Space Development Corporation in Arizona recently unveiled their plans to send miniature greenhouses into space. Though only 1.5 foot tall, the greenhouses will be capable of growing flowers and vegetables like cabbage and Brussels sprouts in a climate-controlled environment, no matter how inhospitable their surroundings may be. The space age greenhouses will get their first tryouts as early as 2012, when the company Odyssey Moon Ltd. plans to launch them to the moon.

“Colonizing the Moon or Mars seems so far away, but it is important that we do this research now,” Paragon’s president, Jane Poynter, told The Telegraph.

Consider the alternative for our future moon-bound descendants—a lifetime of Tang and freeze-dried meatloaf. For their sake, here’s hoping the scientists can manage to work some magic with their mini-greenhouses.

Learn More.

Filed under: General Interest, Green, Science, Weird,

Liked this? You'll love these, too:

6 Good Reasons to Buy Locally

Check out these benefits for buying your fruit and vegetables from a local farmer or market. Read More
5 Reasons to Join a CSA Now

A community-supported agriculture program is a great way to get fresh veggies from a local farm all summer long. Read More
Five Ways to Help Your Kids Go Green

Try these tips to help your children become more eco-friendly. Read More
Delicious Family Recipes for Easter and Passover

Enjoy the holiday weekend with these delicious and festive holiday recipes. Read More
Molly O’Neill’s Epic Road Trip to Discover the Heart of America’s Food Culture

Food writer Molly O'Neill talks about America's food culture and traditions, and the cross-country road trip she took to find the best recipes in the country for her book, "One Big Table." Read More