to live comfortably in outer space in future.
As the area of human activity expands and international cooperation in space development progresses, we believe that manned lunar exploration and Mars exploration, in addition to space stays and space travel, will become a reality in the near future. Technology pertaining to habitation is indispensable for such long-term stays. Takenaka Corporation is working on "food and housing" to live comfortably in outer space in the future.
Pest-free and virus-free "space farm system" for long-term stays
Challenges in growing food in outer space
For long-term stays, we believe that fresh food is essential to improve the quality of life. However, prevention of pests and viruses and emergency food backup systems are also essential requirements to grow food in outer space, which is a remote area.
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Bag culture system (Kirin Central Research Institute) -
Concept of pressure cultivation
Overview and features of the space farm system
This system is a pest-free farm system that can be backed up in an emergency for a long-term stay in outer space. It has been researched and developed by JAXA, Kirin Holdings, Tokyo University of Science Space Colony Research Center, and Chiba University. Using bag culture technology for small-lot, multi-item, hermitically sealed cultivation, entry of plant pathogens and pests is prevented by fostering a highly clean environment, and fresh food can be supplied on demand from the time of arrival through the habitation phase. Cultivation in a low pressure environment reduces the stress load on the facility structure, which in turn reduces the number of materials carried into space and operating costs.
Conceptual diagram of the space farm system
Research on space stay technology through industry–academia collaboration
Participation in "Space Colony Research Center," Tokyo University of Science
Takenaka Corporation has participated in the establishment of the Space Colony Research Center of Tokyo University of Science from its inception and is engaged in the research and development of technologies essential for staying in outer space after 2030. In particular, we are promoting research activities that focus on food, clothing and housing in outer space. Our aim is to make these applicable to long-term accommodation facilities for a "Moon residence" and a "Mars residence," where people will visit in the near future.
Conceptual diagram by Tokyo University of Science Space Research Center
(Center Director: Specially Appointed Vice President Chiaki Mukai)