Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #31552: Fungi in Orbit: Exploring Mycelium Growth in Space

Fungi might just be the unsung heroes of future space habitats. In the NanoRacks-Fungal Mycelium Growth III experiment, students from Espoo Christian School and Valley Christian High School examined how fungal mycelium behaves in microgravity. Conducted during ISS Expeditions 47/48, the project aimed to uncover whether mycelium can grow efficiently in space.

Mycelium is the root-like structure of fungi, known for forming networks that help decompose material and enrich soil. It's also being considered as a bio-material for building habitats on the Moon or Mars because of its self-healing properties and sustainability.

The experiment involved cultivating fungal samples in microgravity and comparing their growth patterns to Earth-based controls. Researchers observed branching, density, and structure formation.

The students found that mycelium can indeed grow in space, but its structure may differ due to the absence of gravity. These findings suggest that fungal materials could potentially be used for life support systems, food production, and even construction in extraterrestrial environments.

This student-led project illustrates the value of biology in space exploration and opens up new possibilities for bioengineering off Earth.

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