As humanity looks toward extended missions to the Moon and Mars, solving the challenge of long-term, sustainable food sources is crucial. The students from East Hills Girls Technology High School have stepped up to this challenge in the AVA Challenge, delivering an impressive presentation on their research: Exo Lab Mission Mushroom.
Their experiment focuses on cultivating oyster mushrooms in microgravity conditions to provide astronauts with a fresh, regenerative food supply packed with fiber, protein, and vital vitamins—reducing reliance on finite packaged meals.
Watch the Presentation
Project Overview & Methodology
The core goal of the project was to identify which substrate optimises mycelium spore germination and sustains maximum growth for space travel.
Key Stages of the Experiment:
- Mushroom Cultivation
Growing oyster mushroom blocks under controlled humidity (4°C–25°C) and maintaining precise moisture levels. - Mycelium Extraction
Drying mushroom sections, grinding them into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle, and using hot water filtration to yield a liquid extract. - Agar Cultivation
Spreading the liquid extract onto agar plates under sterile conditions (using a Bunsen burner) and incubating at 21°C. - Substrate Testing
Inoculating eight different substrates inside individual jars alongside a control sample to measure spore growth percentage.
Experimental Variables
- Independent Variable
Substrates tested (Cooked black rice & oat rice, cooked chickpeas, finely ground coffee beans, Yakult, natural Greek yogurt, kombucha, organic sugar, and finger lime). - Dependent Variable
The amount/percentage rate of spores grown. - Control Variables
Consistent fine wood base, uniform substrate weight, and standardised jar sizes.
Key Results & Findings
The team hypothesised that carbohydrate- and nitrogen-rich substrates would perform best—and their results proved them right!
| Substrate | Spore Coverage / Result | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|---|
| Cooked Black Rice & Oat Rice | 80% Coverage | Top Performer: High carbohydrate and nitrogen content supported rapid mycelium growth. |
| Finely Ground Coffee Beans | 60% Coverage | Strong Runner-up: Rich nitrogen content fostered healthy spore expansion. |
| Chickpeas | Contaminated | Produced fruit flies/maggots, highlighting the importance of strict sterilisation. |
| Finger Lime | Mold Only | High acidity/mold growth prevented spore germination. |
| Dairy / Fermented Products | Very Low / No Growth | Yakult, Greek yogurt, and kombucha showed minimal to no spore development. |
“This evidence can be used in further studies for achieving regenerative resources in space missions.”
Overcoming Challenges & Real-World Science
Science is rarely without hurdles. The students demonstrated true scientific rigour by analysing their failures, managing risk protocols (including Bunsen burner safety and allergy awareness), and introducing backup agar samples to overcome bacterial contamination.
Congratulations to the students of East Hills Girls Technology High School for their stellar presentation and innovative contribution to space biology!
