Researchers at Kirin Holdings’ Basic Technology Research Center have been working with JAXA (※1), Takenaka Corp, Chiba University and Tokyo University of Science on research and development of a “plant growing system” to be used on the Moon.

The current research project is based on Japan Science and Technology Agency’s “Innovation Hub” initiative and uses Kirin’s “plant tissue culture” technology for micropropagation.

According to ISAAA (※2), tissue culture (TC) is the cultivation of plant cells, tissues, or organs on specially formulated nutrient media. As for micropropagation, it is a form of tissue culture, used to produce thousands of copies of a plant in a short time.

Why grow plants on the Moon?

It takes only 3-4 days to travel from Earth to the Moon, compared to an eight-month travel time to Mars. Scientists view the Moon as a “deep space laboratory” to test technologies and make new discoveries about life beyond Earth.

In August 2018, scientists confirmed the presence of water ice on the Moon’s surface. Such development has opened new possibilities to explore and even stay on the Moon.

Kirin has developed its plant growing technology to suit the thin atmosphere on the Moon. It is a lightweight and cost-effective method of growing plants in small bags filled with water, which also helps protect crops from disease.

Lightweight and efficient: growing plants in small bags.

The company has tested its technology in conditions with low atmospheric pressure which imitate the Moon, and has successfully grown such crops as lettuce for vitamin C, potatoes for carbohydrates and soybeans as protein source.

Presented at the 3rd International Moon Village Workshop & Symposium in December 2019, the technology is planned to be proposed to space agencies worldwide such as NASA (※3).

(※1) JAXA is Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency involved in such research and development projects as “Hayabusa 2” asteroid study mission.
(※2) ISAAA is International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications.
(※3) NASA is National Aeronautics and Space Administration in the US.