An oyster mushroom floating aboard the space station.
(Artist's Concept) Image credit: Nihal Sayyad / Wonders in Space
Summary
  • NASA is funding research to see if mushrooms can recycle waste into food during long missions.
  • The study will test oyster mushrooms in simulated space conditions before future orbital trials.
  • Fungi could also help astronauts by reducing supply needs and supporting life on Mars missions.

NASA has awarded a $300,000 grant to Louisiana Tech University scientist Dr. Joshua Vandenbrink to test whether oyster mushrooms can be grown in space. The two-year study will examine if fungi can turn waste such as old clothing and plant scraps into nutritious food for astronauts on long-duration missions.

The project focuses on Pleurotus ostreatus, also known as white oyster mushrooms. They are quick to grow, require little room, and can thrive on organic waste instead of soil. This makes them a strong candidate for space farming, where resources are limited and waste recycling is essential.

Vandenbrink and his team will simulate space-like conditions on Earth by adjusting humidity, lighting, and air quality. The goal is to find the best way to grow mushrooms in microgravity before attempting real tests in orbit. The research will support one graduate student and four undergraduates, who will share results at the American Society for Gravitational and Space Research conference.

Oyster mushrooms are known for their fast growth, often doubling in size daily. They also contain protein, fiber, B vitamins, selenium, and copper. When exposed to light, they produce vitamin D, which could help astronauts who lack direct sunlight. In addition to providing food, these fungi can help recycle waste and even break down pollutants such as petroleum.

While fungi have potential advantages, they also pose risks in space. Mushroom spores spread easily, which could cause allergies or equipment damage inside a spacecraft. Vandenbrink’s research will test ways to control spores, maintain safety, and measure nutrition and yield under space-like conditions.

NASA has been considering fungi for more than food. Previous projects have investigated using mushrooms to build structures, known as “mycotecture.” By mixing fungal strains with lunar dust, researchers hope to grow durable materials for space habitats. Other NASA-backed experiments, such as FOODiQ, have already monitored oyster mushroom growth in orbit.

Vandenbrink, who holds a PhD in genetics from Clemson University, has published widely on how plants respond to light and gravity. He has already contributed to three spaceflight experiments involving plant biology and now aims to design systems that recycle resources during deep space missions.

Leaders at Louisiana Tech say the project matches the university’s focus on hands-on science. Dean Gary Kennedy called it a practical approach to solving problems in space life support, while Jamie Newman, head of the School of Biological Sciences, noted that students gain experience working on challenges faced by future space crews.

NASA’s long-term plans include creating self-sustaining systems that recycle air, water, and food. If fungi can provide reliable nutrition while reducing supply needs, they could play a key role in supporting astronauts on missions to Mars and beyond.

This content is assisted by AI but carefully reviewed, edited, and verified for accuracy by the author using editorial technologies.

Nihal Sayyad is a physics undergraduate and amateur astronomer with a strong passion for space science and science communication. He writes about space exploration, celestial events, and scientific breakthroughs, aiming to make complex topics accessible to all. When he’s not writing, Nihal enjoys painting and sketching.

Connect with him on LinkedIn.

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