Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #31642: Bell Middle School Investigates Space Composting with Worms
- Agnirva.com
- Aug 1
- 2 min read
Sustainability in space is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s a necessity. Bell Middle School’s experiment, “Efficiency of Vermicomposting in a Closed System,” explored a vital question: can earthworms help us recycle food waste in space? This student-led project, developed in partnership with the Lowell Center for Space Science and Technology, was launched as part of Expedition 43/44 aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
Vermicomposting, the process of using worms to break down organic waste, is a well-known method of composting on Earth. The big question was whether this eco-friendly solution could function efficiently in a microgravity environment. Understanding this could be a game changer for long-duration missions where waste management and food production need to be tightly integrated.
Students at Bell Middle School designed a closed system experiment that included red wiggler worms and organic waste. The goal was to analyze how well the worms decomposed the material in space compared to identical Earth-based setups. Key variables included temperature, moisture retention, and the worms’ activity levels.
The educational payoff was enormous. Students gained experience in environmental science, biology, and systems engineering. They also developed skills in experimental design, teamwork, and problem-solving—all while making a real contribution to sustainable space living.
If successful, the findings could inform composting strategies on future space habitats and even on other planets. This makes the project not only a school experiment but a step toward solving real-world sustainability issues beyond Earth.
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