Yahoo Finance
Yahoo FinanceApr 5
Tech

This startup is about to grow plants in outer space

6 min video4 key momentsWatch original
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TL;DR

Interstellar Labs is set to grow plants in space, partnering with NASA and private space stations.

Key Insights

1

Interstellar Labs, a startup with 40 employees, has raised $15 million and developed prototypes for NASA to produce food in space vehicles.

2

The company has agreements with private space station companies like VAS and Axium, aiming to integrate their systems into these stations.

3

Interstellar Labs is collaborating with cosmetic companies like L'Oreal to utilize their space-grown biomass in products.

4

The 'Mission Little Prince' will take a rose to space, inspired by the famous book, with plans to extend this mission to the moon and Mars.

5

Proceeds from the 'Little Prince' mission will support STEM education and cancer research, showcasing the project's broader impact.

Deep Dive

From Greenhouse to Space

Interstellar Labs began with a greenhouse concept, inspired by the founder's farming roots and the reusability of SpaceX boosters. This led to a partnership with NASA, who saw potential in the idea for space applications.

Building Space Partnerships

The startup, now 40-strong, has raised $15 million and developed prototypes for NASA. They've adapted their design for food production in space, signing agreements with companies like Axium and Voyager.

Cosmetic Collaborations

Interstellar Labs found a market with cosmetic companies, including L'Oreal, using their space-grown biomass. This pivot demonstrates the versatility of their technology, initially designed for space.

Mission Little Prince

Inspired by the book, the 'Little Prince' mission will take a rose to space, with plans for the moon and Mars. The project, supported by the author's family, will fund STEM education and cancer research.

Engineering Challenges

Growing roses in space presents significant engineering challenges. Success with roses could pave the way for growing other plants like tomatoes and mushrooms, marking a leap in space agriculture.

Takeaways

  • ✓Interstellar Labs is a key player in space agriculture.
  • ✓Their partnerships with NASA and private companies are crucial.
  • ✓The 'Little Prince' mission blends science and cultural inspiration.
  • ✓Space-grown plants have potential commercial applications on Earth.

Key moments

0:30Inspiration from SpaceX

“The childhood dream of becoming a multilanetary species kicked back.”

2:00NASA Collaboration

“We worked on similar concept for many many years. We need an entrepreneur.”

5:00Mission Little Prince

“We have an agreement with them to bring the rose of the little prince to space.”

7:00Engineering Challenges

“It's really hard to grow roses. It's much harder to grow rose bush than micro greens.”

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