Bees in Space

Science

Bees in Space offers many opportunities for the space research community. The search to identify a suitable pollinator for crop yielding plants, in microgravity and extraterrestrial greenhouses presents many and varied avenues of investigation. This is a problem that must be solved if the desire for humans to return to the Moon and progress on to Mars is to become a reality. 

The research program is being lead by RMIT University and the Melbourne Zoo with the support of the Victorian State Government and collaboration from leading Australian research organisations. The program is committed to engaging leading researchers in all aspects of the project to maintain the highest standards at all times. An independent science review panel managed by Space Qualified Foundation will ensure research quality and rigor.  
Many areas of research have been identified, including: 

Pollinator

☼   Pollinator selection
☼   Supplemental artificial feeding system
☼   Impact of extraterrestrial environment on pollinator flight
☼   Impact of extraterrestrial environment on pollination efficiency
☼   Impact of extraterrestrial environments on biology and behaviour of pollinator
☼   Hibernation management of pollinator 

Plants

☼   Plant selection
☼   Pest and disease control
☼   Biodiversity
☼   Nutrition and plant yield
☼   Sustainability 

Habitat

☼   Design of habitat
☼   Materials
☼   Engineering systems
☼   Environmental control
☼   Lighting
☼   Sustainability of ecosystem 

The objective is to develop a sustainable autonomous ecosystem that exploits the mutuality of natural pollinator and plant. 

The ability to pollinate plants efficiently and effectively in a microgravity environment will make it possible to establish a sustainable human presence beyond Earth. The ability to establish and maintain a self contained ecosystem under such adverse conditions will also have positive implications for agriculture on Earth.    

Researchers who participate in this program will not only answer questions that will have a direct impact on our ability to explore beyond Earth and our ability to sustain life on Earth, their interactions with students will also inspire the next generation to continue to push the boundaries of what is possible.

For further details contact
Assoc Prof Lachlan Thompson    lachlan@beesinspace.org
Naomi Mathers                              naomi@beesinspace.org