Canadian Food Production Subsystem Designs for a Lunar Agriculture Module - Ground Test Demonstrator (LAM-GTD)

The ability to produce fresh food in situ will be a beneficial addition to the future of sustainable lunar surface exploration, reducing reliance on traditional physiochemical life support systems and pre-packaged food supplies from Earth. To advance Controlled Environment Agriculture technologies and crew operations in preparation for a Lunar Agriculture Module, the Canadian Space Agency and the German Aerospace Center have conceptualized and progressed the design of a Lunar Agriculture Module - Ground Test Demonstrator. The purpose of this high-fidelity demonstrator would be to increase the technology readiness levels of all major greenhouse subsystems, simulate crew operations, and inform engineering requirements for an eventual lunar surface design. Canada will contribute to the design of several key subsystems, including the Nutrient Delivery System, the Light Control System, the Versatile Assistant robotic arm, a Plant Health Monitoring System, and technologies that could improve confidence in the module's food safety processes. This paper outlines the progress made to date on these key subsystems and how our teams intend to use the Lunar Agriculture Module - Ground Test Demonstrator to prepare for the challenge of a Lunar Agricultural Module.