Swedish I.S.A.A.C. Joins Forces to Create a Sustainable Bio-Economy in Space

Exciting news in the world of space exploration! Swedish space start-up I.S.A.A.C. is teaming up with the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) to revolutionize closed-loop food technologies and sustainable material utilization in space and beyond. Their groundbreaking project, VESTA, aims to make Europe a major player in human space exploration and bio-economic innovation.

The goal of VESTA is to develop a self-sufficient food system for long-duration space missions, such as establishing a human presence on the moon and eventually on Mars. Relying solely on Earth resupply missions is impractical, so a local food production is essential. While there has been progress in space food research, there are still technological gaps in crop production, food storage, and processing. VESTA will address these challenges by creating a centralized facility that brings together all major food production functions for multidisciplinary research and collaboration.

The VESTA facility will serve as a hub for testing and evaluating various food research, technologies, and systems. It will focus on various types of food production, food processing, food storage, side stream management, and equipment innovation. By integrating these functions, VESTA aims to create a versatile closed-loop food production system specifically designed for future lunar habitats. This facility will also promote sustainable bio-economic alternatives on Earth by reducing supply chain dependencies.

In addition to food production, VESTA will explore the use of inedible biomass and bio-based materials for manufacturing purposes. The facility will be designed with circularity in mind, aiming to recycle and reuse water, energy, and heat. Side streams and biowaste processing will be utilized for nutrient reintroduction and value-added products such as bio-based materials. The ultimate objective is to achieve complete self-sufficiency in food and other consumable materials within the closed-loop system.

“It is crucial for the further exploration of space to create smart and effective ways for a self-sufficient living environment in the often harsh surroundings that will meet humans in space. This VESTA project is one way of finding the right solutions. And here I.S.A.A.C. can help bridging the gap’s between the space and the terrestrial sector”, says Tor Blomqvist, astro-agronomist and researcher at DLR, and partner of I.S.A.A.C.

The VESTA project is not only focused on space exploration but also aims to address global challenges such as food security and sustainable resource utilization. By taking a holistic and collaborative approach, VESTA will contribute to advancements in science, technology innovation, and circular solutions in the field of food production and resource utilization.

"We are proud to be a member of the group behind the VESTA initiative. This is exactly where we want to use the power of I.S.A.A.C., for both spin-offs and spin-in solutions where space and Earth can closely cooperate," says Mattias Hansson, CEO and founder of I.S.A.A.C.

List of Participants, project VESTA:

For more information, please contact:

• Mattias Hansson, CEO, I.S.A.A.C. (mattias@i-s-a-a-c.com)
• Tor Blomqvist, Project Coordinator, German Aerospace Center (tor.blomqvist@dlr.de)