The goal of this project is to help optimize robots used in space for various tasks. It helps to teach optimization by trying to conserve resources and energy while maximizing the amount of crops successfully grown, which will be a big obstacle that will need to be avoided in space development.
There are several agencies and organizations across the globe currently developing or testing plantation technology in zero‑gravity (micro‑gravity) environments.
Operates the Veggie system aboard the International Space Station (ISS) .
Launched in 2014
Developed the Advanced Plant Habitat (APH) in 2017. APH has over 180 sensors to precisely monitor plant growth in space, including successful cultivation of peppers in microgravity. Learn more here.
Research includes aeroponic techniques refined for microgravity to optimize nutrient delivery, water efficiency, and root health using high-pressure micro‑mist systems
Launched the Eu:CROPIS satellite in 2018.
Test tomatoes and algae-based closed-loop habitats under simulated lunar and Martian gravity. Truly future off‑world farming.
Launched in 2024.
AI-driven systems that can plant, irrigate, harvest, and monitor crops in microgravity.
Founded in 2018.
Building BioPod, an inflatable, autonomous greenhouse prototype for Earth, the ISS, and ultimately lunar or Martian habitats.
The system recycles water, controls atmospheric conditions, and supports hydroponic/aquaponic growth in microgravity testbeds.
Automated farming systems:
farmbots managing seed planting, irrigation, nutrient delivery, and health monitoring via AI and digital sensors
Space Plant Habitat: BioPod and ISS plant habitats regulate CO₂ levels, humidity, temperature & lighting, while minimizing water use and maximizing successful harvest.
These programs reflect a global effort—from NASA and ESA to academic and private organizations—to build sustainable, automated plant growth systems for microgravity. The technologies being tested not only support future lunar and Mars missions but also promise to inform controlled-environment agriculture right here on Earth.
References: nasa.gov