← Back to NASA Technology Projects
Completed TRL 6 (started at 4, targeting 6)
The Microgravity Investigation for Thin-Film Hydroponics project addresses the need for reliable crop production systems for human space exploration. The technology consists of a plant cultivation system that uses thin-film hydroponic techniques via passive capillary processes to support the growth of nutrient-dense aquatic plants and rooted land plants. Suborbital flight testing through NASA’s Flight Opportunities program builds on the team’s previous research on space crops through NASA’s Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program. Researchers will evaluate the system’s feasibility for operation in microgravity, including its water and nutrient delivery as well as growth-bed stability.
Problem Statement NASAs technology roadmap notes that self-sufficiency of life support systems is crucial for long-duration exploration missions. Regenerative life support will undoubtedly require food production, to recover nutrients and close the carbon loop in a spacecraft human habitat. Hydrophytes (or aquatic plants) have enormous potential for edible biomass production but have been little studied as potential food crops for space applications. During the STTR phase I investigation, water lentils were found to be 100 % edible (with no inedible biomass), nutritious, and exceptionally fast growing. For this reason, water lentils are gaining recognition as a promising new food ingredient for the rapidly growing plant protein market in the United States.
Technology Maturation The phase I STTR µg-LilyPond effort included an investigation into water and nutrient transport by passive capillary pressure and water lentil harvesting by rotary sieve for the micro-gravity space environment. The proposed water and nutrient delivery system provides reliable, self-regulating passive transport via capillary pressure and is the first space technology to allow a liquid-air interface for aquatic plants.
Summary of September 18, 2025 Flight Test
Space Lab Technologies took the first step toward growing food on the Moon by launching aquatic plants to space on Blue Origin’s New Shepard NS-35 mission. The uG-LilyPond payload is a specialized floating plant pond that combines both growth and harvesting systems. The growth chamber is an advanced, self-contained unit that grows plants under automated control without the presence of gravity. The mission demonstrated innovative technology for both watering and harvesting aquatic plants under reduced gravity in space. The payload contained Wolffia arrhiza (rootless duckweed), a nutrient rich superfood that is also commonly used in wastewater treatment. This research is crucial for developing future space life support systems and creating a sustainable food source for astronauts on long-duration missions.
Space Lab’s space hydroponics system is more sustainable and cost effective compared with other currently available models. Its reusability and autonomous operation make it an advanced and resourceful solution for in-space crop production. The technology aims to benefit NASA missions and the commercial space industry.
Future Customers
• Food system and life support on crewed NASA missions
• Research platform for the International Space Station and Gateway
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 6) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.
None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.