Bentonville Nonprofit Advances in NASA Food Challenge for Mars
The Bentonville-based Autonomic Resilience Collective (ARC) has reached the final stage of a NASA competition aimed at designing a sustainable food system for life on Mars, competing for a share of a $750,000 prize purse.
Team Members and Project Details
Kyle Johnson, the director of research and operations at ARC, and executive director Chandler Buckingham make up the two-person team competing in the NASA Deep Space Food Challenge: Mars to Table. Their project, named AEGIS Mars (Adaptive Endurance and Growth through Integrated Sustenance), is designed to meet the food needs of a crew living on Mars for 500 Martian sols (approximately 515 Earth days).
According to NASA, this global competition aims to create a complete meal plan for a Mars crew, including innovative concepts for food systems that utilize various food sources and cutting-edge technologies.
Journey to the Finals
ARC learned about the challenge while seeking grants and began developing their proposal in July after initial stages had opened in January. The competition progressed from 84 proposals, with only 40 making it to the second round, ultimately leading ARC to the finals.
Key Considerations of AEGIS Mars
The AEGIS Mars project focuses on several critical components, including:
- Food production and safety
- Nutrition and crew preferences
- Water and power sources
- Labor and waste management
- Contingency plans
Johnson emphasized the project’s emphasis on resilience, considering the unique challenges of operating on Mars, such as food production, preparation, and nutritional requirements.
Final Presentation and Expectations
On September 9, Johnson and Buckingham completed their final presentation to competition judges, with winners set to be announced by September 30. First place carries a reward of up to $300,000, with additional prizes for subsequent places.
If successful, ARC plans to forge partnerships, conduct testing, and secure additional funding to further their other research projects.
Innovative Meal Planning
The goal for AEGIS Mars centers on providing a 15-person crew with nutritious and appealing meals, supporting the idea that food should remain enjoyable even after hundreds of days on Mars. The team has crafted a 14-day meal plan that would use half of its food sourced from Earth and the other half grown on Mars. Notable meal ideas include cranberry pot roast, illustrating their commitment to familiar, comforting food.
Team Strengths and Shared Vision
ARC’s strength lies in its size, allowing for an agile approach in decision-making and a robust understanding of their integrated food system. They are committed to ensuring that every aspect of their proposal is practical and functional, avoiding unnecessary complexity.
Founders’ Backgrounds
Johnson and Buckingham co-founded ARC in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, driven by a passion for resilience metrics in food systems. With backgrounds in agriculture, real estate, and biostatistics, they are uniquely positioned to bridge the gaps between food science, human needs, and technology.
Overall, AEGIS Mars stands as a significant attempt to explore and expand the possibilities of sustainable living on other planets, striving to meet both nutritional and emotional well-being for crews far from home.
