Australian researchers successfully grew and consumed edible fungi (lion's mane, turkey's tail
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Space technology (ISRO, missions)· Prelims·
Space agriculture and microgravity biology: a relevant GS3 Science & Technology topic.
Why in news
Australian researchers successfully grew and consumed edible fungi (lion's mane, turkey's tail, and cordyceps) after they were transported to the International Space Station (ISS) and returned to Earth.
Background
Researchers Sara Webb and Rebecca Allen from Swinburne University of Technology sent 36 vials of mycelium to the ISS via a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The fungi remained in space for nearly a month before returning to Earth in 2025 and successfully growing into edible mushrooms.
Facts for Prelims
- S&TLion's mane, turkey's tail, and cordyceps are types of edible fungi used in the experiment.
- Fact36 vials of mycelium were sent to the International Space Station (ISS).
- PostThe research was conducted by Sara Webb and Rebecca Allen from Swinburne University of Technology.
- S&TSpaceX Falcon 9 was the rocket used to transport the fungi to the ISS.
Prelims practice question
Which specific types of fungi were tested for viability during the space-based growth experiment?
- (a)Truffle, Button, and Portobello
- (b)Morel, Chanterelle, and Porcini
- (c)Lion's mane, turkey's tail, and cordyceps
- (d)Shiitake, Oyster, and Enoki
Show answer
Answer: (c) Lion's mane, turkey's tail, and cordyceps — The note specifies that lion's mane, turkey's tail, and cordyceps were the fungi types tested for space viability.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the significance of space agriculture and the cultivation of fungi in microgravity for long-duration human space missions.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Nutritional autonomy: Reducing reliance on Earth-based supply chains for long-duration missions
- Biological viability: Assessing radiation and microgravity effects on fungal mycelium growth
- Resource efficiency: High-yield protein and medicinal compound extraction from fungi in closed-loop systems
Keywords: microgravity · space agriculture · mycelium · biotechnology · sustainable space exploration
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.