Appendix D: Characterizing Stress Tolerance of Leafy Greens to CO2, Humidity, and Radiation

Food crop production for space exploration depends on crop tolerance to environmental stresses unique in space, such as super-elevated CO2 levels and low relative humidity. Controlled-environment research on Earth has gained insights on crop responses to environmental factors under sole-source lighting. However, few studies have explored extreme parameter ranges typical in space or investigated how environmental stressors interact to influence growth and quality attributes of leafy greens.

The objectives of this research are to: 1) determine how the CO2 level and far-red radiation affect photosynthesis, yield, and size of red lettuce and mustard green; and 2) characterize how the CO2 level, relative humidity, and radiation spectrum influence photosynthesis, yield, size, and nutritional value of red lettuce.

For objective 1, we will grow ‘Outredgeous’ red lettuce and ‘Amara’ mustard green in eight treatments [four CO2 levels (400, 1200, 2000, and 2800 μmol·mol−1) × two radiation spectra with and without far-red radiation]. For objective 2, we will grow ‘Outredgeous’ red lettuce in eight treatments [two CO2 levels (400 and 2800 μmol·mol−1) × two relative humidity levels (40% and 70%) × two radiation spectra]. We will conduct both experiments in four plant growth chambers capable of achieving target parameter levels, including 2800 μmol·mol−1 CO2 and 40% relative humidity that are typical in the International Space Station cabin environment. 28 days after seed sow, we will collect and analyze data on crop photosynthesis, yield, size, and nutritionally important secondary metabolites.

The proposed research will: 1) create baseline data of crop stress tolerance for selection and breeding of cultivars suitable in extreme space environments; and 2) generate insights on how the CO2 level, relative humidity, and radiation spectrum influence space crop yield and nutritional value. This knowledge will advance the production of fast-growing and nutritious food crops to sustain long-term human space missions.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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.