Citizen Astronaut Explores Food Crop Growth in Space – Farms.com

Research Report: Space-Based Crop Cultivation and Sustainable Development Goals

Key Research Outcomes and Scientific Dissemination

A research initiative focused on the cultivation of sweet potatoes and chickpeas in space has yielded significant results. The primary output is a peer-reviewed scientific paper that details the molecular and physiological responses of these crops to the space environment. This research contributes directly to SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure by advancing scientific knowledge and technological capacity in the aerospace and agricultural sectors. The findings are scheduled for presentation at the International Astronautical Congress in Sydney, Australia, on October 1, 2025.

Collaborative Impact and Stakeholder Engagement

The project exemplifies a successful multi-stakeholder partnership, a core principle of SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. According to decorated former NASA aerospace engineer Bowe, the mission’s success demonstrates the potential of collaborative research models that were previously inaccessible. The project’s framework opens new avenues for scientific inquiry in space by integrating diverse participants.

• Citizen Astronauts
• Professional Scientists
• Students

This collaborative approach also supports SDG 4: Quality Education by providing students with direct involvement in advanced scientific research, thereby fostering the next generation of innovators.

Future Implications for Global Sustainability Challenges

The study’s long-term objective is to address the fundamental challenge of sustaining human life beyond Earth, which aligns with the forward-looking goals of SDG 2: Zero Hunger. By developing methods for extraterrestrial agriculture, the research provides a foundation for future food security in off-world settlements. The project’s progression demonstrates a scalable model for innovation:

1. Conceptualization of a research idea.
2. Execution as a practical flight experiment.
3. Transformation into internationally recognized science.

This initiative underscores that the future of space exploration is intrinsically linked to developing sustainable living systems, a principle that holds relevance for addressing resource challenges on Earth.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • The article discusses research on growing crops, specifically “sweet potatoes and chickpeas,” in space. This research into food production in extreme environments is fundamentally linked to food security and the broader goal of ending hunger. The study’s aim of “ensuring the survival of humans beyond Earth” directly relates to the challenge of sustainable food production.
2. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • The article explicitly mentions the collaboration of “citizen astronauts, scientists, and students.” This highlights the project’s role in providing unique educational and research opportunities for students, contributing to science education and skill development in a high-tech field.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • The research represents scientific innovation. The article describes the process of “turning an idea into a flight experiment and then into international science,” which is a core aspect of research and development. The study on the “molecular and physiological responses of these crops in space” pushes the boundaries of scientific knowledge and technological capability.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The mission’s success is attributed to the union of “citizen astronauts, scientists, and students.” This multi-stakeholder collaboration is a clear example of a partnership to achieve a common scientific goal, demonstrating how different groups can “unite to conduct meaningful research.”

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Under SDG 2 (Zero Hunger)
   • Target 2.a: Increase investment in agricultural research. The space mission is a form of advanced agricultural research aimed at understanding crop resilience, which aligns with investing in and enhancing scientific knowledge for food production.
2. Under SDG 4 (Quality Education)
   • Target 4.4: Substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills. The involvement of “students” in a space-based research mission provides them with advanced technical and scientific skills relevant to future employment in STEM fields.
3. Under SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure)
   • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research and encourage innovation. The entire project, from concept to a “peer-reviewed paper,” is an exercise in enhancing scientific research. The mission’s goal of “opening doors to science in space that were closed before” directly speaks to encouraging innovation.
4. Under SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)
   • Target 17.6: Enhance international cooperation on and access to science, technology and innovation. The plan to present the findings at the “International Astronautical Congress” demonstrates the sharing of scientific knowledge on an international platform.
   • Target 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships. The collaboration between “citizen astronauts, scientists, and students” is a direct example of a multi-stakeholder partnership mobilizing knowledge and expertise.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Production of a peer-reviewed paper
   • The article explicitly states that “the research team produced a peer-reviewed paper.” This is a direct and measurable indicator of scientific research output, relevant to Target 9.5 (Enhance scientific research). It quantifies the new knowledge generated by the project.
2. Presentation at an international conference
   • The mention that “The findings will be presented at the International Astronautical Congress” serves as an indicator for Target 17.6 (Enhance international cooperation on science). It measures the dissemination of research findings to the global scientific community.
3. Successful cultivation of crops in space
   • The study’s focus on “sweet potatoes and chickpeas” implies that their successful growth and the study of their responses are key outcomes. This serves as a practical indicator of progress in agricultural research (Target 2.a) and innovation (Target 9.5) for extreme environments.
4. Involvement of students in research
   • The article’s emphasis on the participation of “students” implies that their inclusion is a key feature of the mission’s model. The number of students involved could be used as an indicator for Target 4.4, measuring the provision of opportunities for skills development.

Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: m.farms.com