Martian Gardens // Plants for Space

In the next 30 years, missions to the Moon and Mars will explore habitation in new and extreme environments.

The Martian Garden will explore how we can create sustainable new ecosystems off-world. Discover how we select and adapt plant and microbial species to survive and thrive. Learn how we're guiding novel approaches to sustainable ecosystems here on Earth.

Uncover the challenges and innovative solutions for growing plants in extreme environments. Find out how we can provide a nutritious, varied food supply to sustain the physical and mental well-being of people living off-world.

This event consists of two experiences:

(1) Immersive Experience

In this immersive experience, we'll guide you through 4 "research" stations while Mars rovers roam outside. This journey will take you to visit:

• Station 1 - Space Garden: Investigate a plant growth cabinet like those on the International Space Station! Learn about the plant needs, and how these impact the survival of different species.
• Station 2 - Space Plants: Explore a range of space crops including duckweed, microgreens, tomato, strawberry and chili. See the advanced tools we use to measure fruit ripeness and chemistry and select those best suited for nutrition in space.
• Station 3 - Space Robots: Code 'plant bots' to harvest fruit and leaves from plants! Have a go driving the robots and compete against the challenges of the Mars habitat to deliver food to the astronaut base.
• Station 4 - Space Food: Consider what makes a good food product! Explore taste, appearance, texture, nutrition, culture and sustainability. Build a design for the future food for Space and Earth.

(2) Researcher Talk

Expert Talk and Panel Session followed by a Q&A with the public.

This event is part of a larger National Science Week programming through the ARC Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space (P4S). 

This is a catered event - please provide dietary requirements. 

This project was made possible by funding from the Australian Government as part of National Science Week.