Shortfalls of Food Production in Space and Future Needs

As we advance toward sustained human presence beyond Earth, food production in space is emerging as a critical challenge. This webinar will examine the current gaps in space-based food systems, the specific needs of planned missions, and how these fit into the broader Moon to Mars Strategy.

We’ll explore:

• What food production systems are missing or underdeveloped for current and future missions.
• How these gaps impact mission planning and crew sustainability.
• Whether and how space agriculture could benefit Earth-based food systems.
• What policy actions are needed to address these challenges including funding focuses and methods to incentivize critical research.

Panelists:

• Jacob Scoccimerra (Moderator), Founder at Monolith Space
• Arttu Luukanen, SVP of Space and Defense at Solar Foods
• Ralph Fritsche, Subject Matter Expert on Food Systems in Space
• Ben Greaves, PhD Student at University of Colorado Boulder
• Zack Rosenthal, Manager of Space Food Systems at Vast