NASA’s hopes of landing humans on Mars and turning the Red Planet into a new home for humanity can be realized thanks to the most numerous creatures on Earth: insects. According to new research, insects, in particular Stratiomyidae (black soldier fly), may play an important role in making it possible to grow food on Mars. This is reported by The New York Times.
One of the main problems for the colonization of Mars is the need to grow food on the planet. This is necessary to save money and guarantee the viability of astronauts in case of unforeseen situations with supplies from Earth. However, in order to grow plants on Mars, it is necessary to overcome the problem of poor Martian soil.
Researchers believe that using black soldier flies larvae as fertilizer can improve the Martian soil, enrich it with nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus and bacteria necessary for plant growth. This can make food on Mars fresh and nutritious.
The results of the research were presented at the conference of the Entomological Society of America, where the theory was confirmed. Thus, the success of space travel and the lives of astronauts on other planets may depend on insects.
However, there are risks. In particular, the potential threat to the ecosystems of other planets. It is necessary to ensure that insects exported to other planets will not harm their natural systems. If scientists can bring this idea to life, then insects such as black soldier flies will help us make growing food on Mars real.
Earlier, we reported on how Mars had a comfortable climate for life for billions of years.
According to BGR
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