Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development
Space: Innovative systems and superfoods to support human life on the Moon and Mars
A team of researchers from ENEA, University of Rome Tor Vergata and Edmund Mach Foundation is working on advanced technological solutions for the efficient and sustainable recycling of resources and the reduction of cosmic radiation impact, in support of human life during long-duration space missions. These activities are conducted as part of the BIOMIRATE project, funded by the Italian Space Agency.
The next milestone in human space exploration envisions long-term human presence beyond low Earth orbit. Long-duration space missions, taking place outside the protective shield of Earth's magnetic field, expose humans to extreme conditions —including altered gravity, prolonged isolation, and cosmic and solar radiation —that can compromise astronauts’ physical and psychological health, as well as the functionality and resilience of bioregenerative systems.
"The development of innovative solutions to support human life during long-duration space missions on the Moon and, in the future, on Mars is a key pillar of the Italian Space Agency's (ASI) strategic vision", says Barbara Negri, Head of the Human Spaceflight and Experimentation Office at ASI. "With the BIOMIRATE project (BIOrigenerative: MItigation of RAdiation risk through molecular TEchnologies), coordinated by the University of Rome Tor Vergata in collaboration with ENEA and the Edmund Mach Foundation, ASI aims to lay the groundwork for a sustainable, autonomous, and safe model of space exploration, identifying the countermeasures needed to protect astronauts in extremely hostile environments."
The purpose of BIOMIRATE is to identify strategies to mitigate the risks of exposure to ionizing radiation, in order to ensure the survival and functionality of organisms involved in bioregenerative systems, even under the extreme conditions imposed by the space environment. By conducting genomics and transcriptomics studies on radioresistant cyanobacteria and using metabolic engineering and synthetic biology techniques, the project aims to develop a biofortified lettuce ideotype. This plant will be capable of producing natural antioxidants and DNA-protective proteins, with the dual goal of generating crop varieties that can survive and remain productive in space, while also serving as a functional food to safeguard astronaut health.
The radioprotective effect and functional food value of this superfood will be evaluated through simulations and experimental testing on soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens). These insects, highly efficient at converting space organic waste into valuable substrates for cultivation, also offer a promising alternative source of animal protein. Their introduction into astronauts' diet could enhance their nutritional intake while simultaneously helping to counteract oxidative stress.
Additionally, a collection of radioresistant cyanobacteria will be studied to uncover DNA repair and protection strategies. "We aim to investigate the defense mechanisms these microorganisms use against ionizing radiation, focusing on DNA-protective proteins that could be transferred to organisms relevant for bioregenerative systems in space," explains Daniela Billi, Associate Professor of Biology at the University of Rome Tor Vergata and project coordinator.
"Our challenge is to guarantee a steady supply of fresh, healthy food for astronauts, while optimizing the recycling of organic waste from our production systems and developing biotechnological solutions to reduce radiation risks for both plants and crew during space missions," emphasizes Angiola Desiderio of ENEA’s Agriculture 4.0 Laboratory. "Whether or not we succeed in establishing lasting bases on our satellite and beyond will largely depend on our ability to withstand a hostile environment and ensure the productivity and sustainability of future space habitats."
"Scientific research is the key to sustainable human survival in deep space," concludes Silvia Massa, head of the Agriculture 4.0 Laboratory at ENEA. "The innovations we develop will not only help us face the challenges of space but could also open new frontiers for the future of life on Earth."
The compost produced through the biodegradation process by black soldier fly larvae was used in fertilization experiments on microgreens within a hydroponic system specifically designed to be adapted for a space garden. Results show that the phytonutrient-rich components of thecompost promote the growth of seedlings intended for crew consumption, compared to the unfertilized control.
Experimental rearing of black soldier flies takes place in mesh cages that prevent insect escape while allowing light and air to pass through. The larvae carry out the bioconversion of mission organic waste, including crop residues, into compost. Once development is complete, the larvae pupate and then emerge as adult insects. The adults are then transferred to separate cages, where mating occurs and eggs are laid in specially designed devices to generate new degrading larvae.