Spatial Characterization of Microbial Co

The establishment of steady-state continuous crop production during long-term deep space missions is critical for providing consistent nutritional and psychological benefits for the crew, potentially improving their health and performance. This study aimed to analyze microbial communities associated with multi-species leafy greens grown simultaneously in the International Space Station's vegetable production systems. Methodologically, three technology demonstrations were conducted that achieved simultaneous multi-species plant growth leveraging two Veggie units, highlighting how microbial analyses and molecular methods have been applied to sample collection and identification processes. Results revealed that microbial populations varied significantly across the different plant growth environments, indicating that the use of distinct microbial mixtures could potentially enhance the overall productivity and health benefits of crop production in space. Thus, understanding and managing these microbial communities may aid in optimizing plant growth conditions within the confines of space missions, ensuring both nutritional quality and sustainability for future astronauts.