NASA does not currently have a specific target crop list, but over the years, lists have included staple crops such as wheat, rice, and potatoes for full bioregenerative life support. NASA is focusing on developing supplemental food production. The International Space Station does not have cooking capability, so the current target plant focus is salad, herbs, microgreens, and small fruits. Crops are being surveyed at the Kennedy Space Center, and NASA is working with middle and high school students who are helping survey varieties through the Fairchild Gardens educational program. Salad crops have to be small in size, high-yielding, have a high harvest index, not require dormancy, grow from seeds, etc. NASA is also working on designing a system for root crops and tubers in microgravity.
Target Candidates:
- “Outredgeous” lettuce
- Chinese cabbage
- Mizuna
- Bok choi
- Dwarf Basil
- Red Rocket Tomato