Cyanobacteria for Space Agriculture on Mars

Abstract

The growth of terrestrial cyanobacterium, Nostoc sp., on the Martian Regolith Simulant (MRS) and its vacuum tolerance were examined in relevance of our challenges to inhabit Mars. The viability of the cyanobacteria was evaluated by microscopic observation after staining by fluorescein diacetate (FDA). The general terrestrial cyanobacterial lump collected from the ground showed a significantly high tolerance against exposure to high vacuum environment for more than one year. To elucidate its high tolerance function scientifically, Nostoc sp. HK-01 was used as another material for this study. After two weeks exposure to high vacuum environment (10-5 Pa), Nostoc sp. HK-01 start to grow again in a liquid culture medium. The A'MED (Arai's Mars Ecosystem Dome) is designed to be installed on Mars for agricultural production. A'MED was found useful to conduct our study. Nostoc sp. HK-01 grew for over 140 days, and chlorophyll synthesis was normal on the MRS. These results verify the possible adaptation of cyanobacteria, and growth under the low atmospheric pressure environment on Mars.