CSUN Professor Secured $700,000 in NASA Grants
The research project aims to develop methods for growing fresh food in microgravity and drought conditions.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Botany
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A California State University, Northridge professor has been awarded $700,000 in NASA grants to advance space agriculture research. The work focuses on cultivating leafy greens and studying root microbes in simulated lunar and Martian environments.
Why it matters
The study aims to provide astronauts with fresh food alternatives to pre-packaged meals while developing new strategies for plant growth in drought-prone areas on Earth. The project also provides critical funding and research stipends for students.
The grants include $400,000 for leafy green research and $300,000 for microbe studies. Researchers utilize a clinostat to simulate microgravity, while the study examines lettuce, spinach, and mustard greens in soil analogs.
The players
Chhandak Basu
He is a professor at California State University, Northridge who leads the space agriculture research project.
NASA Ames Research Center
This facility is a major research laboratory located in Silicon Valley that partners with academic institutions on space exploration technologies.
Craig Everroad
He is a research partner at NASA Ames Research Center involved in the collaborative study of space-based botany.
The details
Researchers are investigating how to sustain plant life using simulated Martian and lunar soils, focusing on microbes in plant root zones. By using a clinostat to rotate samples, the team effectively negates the effects of gravity to model space-based agricultural conditions.
Timeline
September 22, 2026: The university announced the receipt of the two NASA grants.
The Big Picture
This project extends the work conducted at the NASA Ames Research Center plant growth facilities, which has historically prioritized sustainable food production for deep space missions. It marks a shift toward integrating specialized microbe research with traditional space-based horticulture.
The research could lead to more drought-resistant agricultural methods for local farmers and home gardeners as scientists refine techniques for growing greens in harsh, low-resource environments. Additionally, the funding directly supports the academic training of two to three university students.
The takeaway
These grants underscore the growing importance of self-sustaining agricultural systems for long-duration space missions. The findings may ultimately inform how urban gardeners and rural farmers adapt to changing climate conditions on Earth.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in Botany.
Source note: This article includes information reported by My News LA.
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