Leaf on Mars is a modular aeroponic cultivation system designed to provide fresh food and psychological wellbeing within a Martian base.
Leaf on Mars
Project by Daniele Abbati, Sofia Di Furia, Clelia Menghini
Academic year
2024/2025
In a context of limited resources, the system ensures flexibility, efficiency, and continuity of food production. Each module is organized into containers dedicated to the different growth stages—from germination to harvest—enabling a balanced production cycle optimized for available space. Plants grow without soil: their roots are suspended in the air and fed through controlled misting, drastically reducing water consumption. Sensors, microcontrollers, and AI systems monitor parameters such as light, humidity, temperature, and nutrients, maintaining optimal growing conditions. A rotating structure facilitates access for care and harvesting even in pressurized environments. Crops include vegetables, fruiting plants, legumes, and aromatic herbs, inspired by the Mediterranean diet and the Harvard Healthy Plate model, supporting balanced nutrition and overall crew wellbeing.
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