While waiting for further space explorations, the Chinese Chang'e 4 mission has opened an unprecedented chapter in the history of humanity: the growth of plants on the Moon. This event, which marks a significant step towards the sustainability of human life in space, invites us to consider the potential of extraterrestrial agriculture. The germination of a cotton seed in lunar conditions is not only a technological achievement, but a symbol of resilience and adaptability, qualities indispensable for the future of space exploration.
Chang'e 4
In January of the 2019, China wrote a new page in the history of space exploration with the Chang'e 4 mission, the first to make a soft landing on the far side of the Moon. This mission not only provided unprecedented scientific data on lunar geology, but also brought with it a biology experiment. An experiment that could have had far-reaching implications: growing cotton plants on the lunar surface.
It took more than four years, but now important results from the experiment have been released that suggest that, for all the obstacles to establishing colonies on the Moon and Mars, growing food may not be one of them. The studies published in “Microgravity Science and Technology"and "Astronautics Act” lay the foundation for future research and experimentation.
Survival and growth of “lunar” cotton
The journey of a cotton seed, from a laboratory on Earth to the dusty surface of the Moon, was a crucial test of our understanding of life in space. Their results showed that, despite the challenges posed by the lack of atmosphere and extreme temperature variations, life can adapt in surprising ways. Why? The fact that the cottonseed remained green and erect after the long lunar night (18 Earth days), while its terrestrial counterparts did not survive, is a testament to its remarkable resilience.
The implications for the future of space exploration (and beyond)
The results obtained by Chang'e 4 are not just a scientific curiosity. This is information that has profound implications for the future of space exploration. The ability to grow food on the Moon or Mars is essential to the long-term sustainability of space missions. If we can create agricultural systems that take advantage of local conditions, we will significantly reduce the need for supplies from Earth, making space missions more feasible and less expensive.
Of course, there are still several obstacles to overcome: the germination of only one type of cotton seed in four is a clear sign that the lunar environment presents unique challenges. However, the absence of pests and weeds offers a significant advantage over terrestrial farming.
For all the cosmic indigents who “what are space missions for? Think of the problems on Earth!”: Techniques developed for farming in hostile environments like the Moon may have applications here on Earth. For example, in areas affected by extreme climate change or inhospitable terrain. But what are we telling you to do, right?
