In a unprecedented move, researchers are preparing for fish farming on the moon. The ambitious venture not only wants to grow fish in space but also include them in the menu of astronauts going on long missions.
This pioneering project, initially suggested by Przybyla to the European Space Agency (ESA) in 2016, was not sanctioned then. But almost a decade later, the project, now known as Lunar Hatch, has been shortlisted among the 100 lunar exploration projects. Researchers from Southern France are leading this pioneering project, which includes incubating fish eggs on Earth before shipping them to the moon.
One of the key objectives of this project is to lay the foundation for the logistics of space fish farming, including shipping equipment and machinery needed in the process to the moon. The goal is to provide astronauts with a sustainable way of having fresh nutrients that could make long-duration space missions sustainable. Dr. Cyril Przibil of Ifremer, the project leader, emphasizes the significance of fish since they are a good source of protein, omega-3, and other essential vitamins that benefit the health and energy of astronauts.
A major challenge is securing water on the moon. To address this, scientists propose to use the water ice within the moon’s permanently shadowed polar areas. This ice will be transformed into water to fill the closed tank systems in which the fish will reside. The process will be very much like Earth-based aquaculture, where fish waste will feed algae and other animals. Shrimp and insects will eat what remains of the waste, all of which will be further food sources for the fish.
If the project is a success, it is expected to deliver fresh fish twice a week to a seven-member team for a 16-week mission, in need of some 200 fish. The primary goal is to deliver astronauts with fresh, wholesome food to keep them going during long lunar missions.
In addition, fish farming may have a beneficial impact on the soil and water of the moon. Particularly chosen fish will be able to thrive on the moon’s extreme conditions, and that will be a breakthrough in exploring space and sustainability.
