by Elizabeth Hunter
An out of this world brew could be on the way.
A team of researchers based at the University of Kent have started a project to see if astronauts could grow food in space.
Kathryn Harper starts to pick tea leaves at Dartmoor Estate Tea in Devon. Picture: SWNS
The group have partnered with Dartmoor Tea and planted saplings into specially prepared soils that mimic those found on the surface of the moon and Mars.
They will monitor how the plants develop over the course of 30 days, comparing their performance with a control sample from Devon, with temperature, humidity and lighting controlled to mimic conditions in space.
Professor at the University of Kent, Nigel Mason, a specialist in molecular physics, said: “We’re moving into a new age of space, where we no longer just want to explore.
“As soon as you think about settling in space and building bases on the Moon or Mars, one of the first things you want to know is, ‘What will people eat?’.
“While we’re starting with tea, this work will help scientists better understand what else we can grow in space.
“However, it does also feel fitting to look at how the explorers of the future will be able to enjoy a cup of tea – the ultimate comfort for those looking to set up a new home!”
Twelve tea plants have been supplied to the University of Kent to test if it’s possible to grow tea in space. Picture: SWNS
Results from the study are expected in September.
They will also test to see if any harmful substances make their way into the leaves.
The study marks the first time Kent scientists have worked in the emerging field of “space agriculture,” which examines how humans might one day cultivate food not only in orbit, but also on the surfaces of other worlds.
Final year Physics student Florence Grant, who is working on the project, said: “I’m really excited to see whether the tea plants thrive in the soils we’re using in the experiment.
“As a physics student at the university, it’s fantastic to collaborate with scientists in other disciplines to make such a unique project possible.”
Research student Anna-Marie Wirth added: “Tea is a huge part of British culture and cultures around the world, so it’s really cool that that’s what we’re testing.
“This is just the beginning, though, and I’m excited to see how our work in space agriculture will continue to grow – and support future space missions.”
The experiments may also have implications closer to home.
While the main aim of the project is to see whether humans could grow things on the Moon, a lot of the basic work is also about how crops and plants survive harsh environments and poor soils.
Poor soils are a big problem with climate change and over-farming, and this work could help scientists better understand how to transform sterile, lifeless soils into viable growing ones.