One of the challenges faced by future Mars astronauts is the optimization of growth conditions for food cultivation. Algae has long been viewed as a promising food source for future Mars colonists.  However, at scale, algae production requires a lot of energy and nutrients are often wasted, a problem remedied by Algacraft’s precise photobioreactor. Crew 261 will deploy an Algaecraft bioreactor at the Mar Desert Research Station, simulating an alga growing cycle in a Mars like environment.

Algaecraft is an Edinburg-based company working to develop automated, remotely operated, and self-contained algae growing devices called photobioreactors. These devices are capable of real-time measuring precise culture parameters for growing edible algae. Alfgacraft was founded by five experts in high-tech innovation, microbiology, and engineering, with extensive experience within the biotech industry. Learn more here: http://www.algacraft.com