Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #31607: Spirulina in Space: Student Study of a Superfood in Microgravity

Spirulina is a blue-green algae celebrated for its nutritional value and potential to support long-duration space missions. The NanoRacks-Modesto Christian School experiment aimed to compare its growth in space versus Earth conditions, with students at the helm.

Conducted during Expedition 51/52 and supported by Valley Christian High School and the Lowell Center, this student-led project placed Spirulina cultures in microgravity and mirrored setups on Earth.

Spirulina’s appeal lies in its high protein content and minimal growth requirements. It only needs light, carbon dioxide, and water, making it an ideal candidate for closed-loop life support systems.

The experiment monitored growth rate, coloration, and cell density in space. Key questions included: Would microgravity enhance or inhibit growth? Would Spirulina maintain its nutritional content in space?

Early findings suggested that Spirulina grew more slowly in space, possibly due to changes in fluid dynamics and light absorption. However, it still produced biomass, making it a strong candidate for future space farms.

This study offers a foundation for designing food production systems for Mars missions and space stations. It also exemplifies how high school students can contribute to solving real-world space challenges.

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