Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #32225: Green Gold in Orbit: How Algae Could Fuel the Future of Space

Algae might be slimy and green, but it could be the key to a sustainable future in space. Dr. Mark Settles and his team at the University of Florida are leading an experiment aboard the ISS that explores how algae can be optimized—or ‘domesticated’—to produce essential feedstocks in microgravity.

Why algae? These tiny aquatic organisms are among the most efficient converters of sunlight into energy. They can produce a wide range of valuable substances, including lipids (for biofuels), proteins (for food), and even oxygen. On Earth, they’re already being used in sustainable agriculture and energy production. In space, their potential grows even more critical.

Long-duration space missions face a major challenge: how to provide food, fuel, and breathable air with limited resources. Algae can play a multifunctional role in this closed-loop system. But to do so effectively, they need to be adapted to the harsh conditions of space. This experiment investigates how microgravity affects algae’s growth, photosynthesis, and biochemical output.

By selecting and enhancing algae strains that thrive in space, researchers aim to build a biological toolkit for future spacefarers. Think of it as creating ‘super-algae’ that can sustain life beyond Earth.

The implications aren’t limited to space. Developing more robust, high-yield algae strains could also help address climate change and food insecurity here on Earth. This experiment is a shining example of how space research can bring benefits back home.

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