Texas A&M Student Researches Growing Food in Moon Dust for Space Exploration

Jessica Atkin's work aims to help feed future astronauts on the moon

Apr. 2, 2026 at 1:20am

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A doctoral student at Texas A&M University, Jessica Atkin, is conducting research on growing food using lunar regolith, or moon dust, as part of efforts to support future long-term space missions and a permanent lunar presence. Atkin's work, funded by a grant from the university, is seen as a crucial step forward as NASA prepares for the historic Artemis II mission, the first crewed flight to the moon since 1972.

Why it matters

Atkin's research on using moon dust to grow crops could have significant implications for the future of space exploration and human habitation on the lunar surface. As NASA and other space agencies work towards establishing a permanent presence on the moon, the ability to grow food locally will be essential for supporting astronauts and reducing the need to transport supplies from Earth.

The details

Atkin is experimenting with growing plants in simulated moon dust, with promising results so far. She believes the lessons learned from her research can be applied not only to space exploration, but also to growing crops in other extreme environments on Earth. The upcoming Artemis II mission will test the spacecraft, systems, and human spaceflight capabilities, paving the way for future long-duration missions to the moon.

  • The Artemis II mission is scheduled to launch in 2024, marking the first time since 1972 that humans will be sent toward the moon.
  • Atkin has been conducting her research on growing food in moon dust at Texas A&M University, with funding from a grant.

The players

Jessica Atkin

A doctoral student at Texas A&M University who is researching the use of lunar regolith, or moon dust, to grow crops that could support future astronauts on the moon.

Texas A&M University

The university where Atkin is conducting her research, which has provided her with a grant to support her work.

NASA

The U.S. space agency that is preparing for the Artemis II mission, the first crewed flight to the moon since 1972.

Lauryn Morton

The operations manager at the Miller Steam Center, who noted the groundbreaking nature of the Artemis II crew, which will include the first woman and African astronaut to travel beyond low Earth orbit.

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What they’re saying

“My research does deal with uh lunar regolith and using what is present on the moon, what is moon dirt or moon dust to potentially grow crops to feed astronauts when we have a permanent lunar presence.”

— Jessica Atkin, Texas A&M Doctoral Student

“I checked the plants this morning. They're doing well. And the cool thing about this is everything that we learn in space and, you know, how to grow plants in these, you know, these extreme environments can be applied to extreme environments here on earth and help us grow crops here as well.”

— Jessica Atkin, Texas A&M Doctoral Student

“We're all just really excited and I'll be happy to watch alongside with all of you guys.”

— Jessica Atkin, Texas A&M Doctoral Student

“I think it's really cool to see this new capsule go up and you know, these astronauts are going to see some sites that haven't been seen in over 50 years and I'm pretty sure they're going to be going farther than humans have ever gone into space. So, you know, what a feat.”

— Jessica Atkin, Texas A&M Doctoral Student

“And this is the first time that we are sending not only a woman astronaut but an African astronaut out of the lower Earth's orbit, so that's really exciting, too, super groundbreaking stuff.”

— Lauryn Morton, Operations Manager, Miller Steam Center

What’s next

The Artemis II mission is scheduled to launch in 2024, marking a significant milestone in the return of human spaceflight to the moon. Atkin's research on growing food in lunar regolith will continue to be an important part of the preparations for this mission and future long-term lunar exploration.

The takeaway

Atkin's innovative research at Texas A&M University on using moon dust to grow crops represents a crucial step forward in supporting the future of space exploration and human habitation on the lunar surface. As NASA and other space agencies work towards establishing a permanent presence on the moon, the ability to locally produce food will be essential for reducing the need to transport supplies from Earth and ensuring the long-term sustainability of lunar missions.