Space Spuds

NASA teams up with the International Potato Centre in Peru to grow potatoes on Mars.

16:25 19 April 2016

Scientists at NASA are in the process of developing a variety of potatoes that will survive in the Martian climate ahead of manned missions set to launch in 10 years time. Tests are currently being carried out using soil from the desert in Peru, which landscape is similar to Mars, to find the most resilient variety.

 

NASA hopes to send the potatoes in March so they are already growing by the time humans arrive. The project aims to reduce costs and give space travellers a means to feed themselves.

 

Such a scenario was played out in a Matt Damon-starrer The Martian, a space drama where an astronaut planted potatoes while marooned on the Red Planet.

 

The potato research is being carried out by NASA together with Lima-based International Potato Centre. They are currently growing 65 varieties of potatoes using soil from one of the driest sports on Earth, the Pampas de La Joya Desert in the Atacama Desert. All the varieties that thrive will be subjected to more tests.

 

Potatoes were the chosen crop for space travellers as they are more useful. Aside from food, they can also be used as battery and dye.