Rezende: Mars Farming Viability
In this research was developed a methodology to compare the best crops to be managed on Mars. According to methodology proposed, was defined following steps: 1) Consult the literature to determine production per hectare / meter2; 2) Determine area of production: in the concept of a greenhouse module of 25 m of circumference and presenting 4 shelves. The area of cultivation would be 100 m2. This module will be presenting 100 m2 to produce food; 3) Determine the quantity of wheat production during a year: considering the number of days in the production cycle in the year; 4) Determine the number of calories that the food can generate; 5) Visualize the quantity of calories to feed an astronaut: a regular person on Earth, according to World Health Organization, presents the consumption of 2500 Calories; 6) Determine how many days the 100m2 plant cultivation would supply: considering that astronauts consume an average of 2500 calories each. The greenhouse would be used to produce other plants. Also it is necessary to have deeper discussions to determine: 1 - Energy, water and oxygen required; 2 - Management demands (working hours); 3 - Losses and risks; 4 - Carbon dioxide management and control; 5 - Height of the plant; 6 - Types/ size of the root and 7 - Recycled sources supply from sanitation system 8 - Protocols/ time schedules to be followed 9 - Effective light systems (natural/artificial) All these steps are important to determine what could be the best crop in terms of efficiency related to nutrients, to be grown/cultivated on Mars. It is recommendable continued studies considering different crops, also doing experiments in analog habitats.
The 24th Annual International Mars Society Convention is Thursday-Sunday, October 14-17, 2021. This convention presents a unique opportunity for those interested in the planet Mars to come together and discuss the science, technology, social implications, philosophy and a multitude of other aspects of Mars exploration.
The website is https://www.marssociety.org/conventions/2021/ where you can register for additional Zoom sessions that are not in AltspaceVR
More info and session listings are in the hub world, code PDK958
