Eshan Maitra
Ridley Scott’s dream might just become made into possible by NASA. They are really taking up the project of growing potatoes in Mars!
Though they are not thinking about sending Matt Damon and leaving him stranded there for a year. Currently they are testing it first, in the driest desert on Earth, Pampas De La Joya, Peru. The botanists and soul scientists will be researching on 65 types of potatoes and which one may triumph the odds.
NASA did not just get inspired by Ridley Scott and decided to focus on Potatoes. Potato was selected as their first task, since it has a great ability to smoothly adapt with almost any kind of climates. Besides, it is a great source of carbs, protein, vitamin C and iron. Also, who doesn’t love potatoes? Nerdy fact, potatoes can be used as low voltage batteries as well!
Though it is about -64 degree Celsius and 96% of the air is made of carbon-dioxide on Mars. Also to mention, the weather is not so pleasurable either, in that Red Giant. Huge sand storms and calamities are daily thing.
Therefore, ‘IF’ the ground testing is a success in Peru. They will move the research team into a controlled Atmospheric Simulated Garden. By what it looks, Nasa is very much determined about growing Potatoes in Mars. They are aiming to start the galactic production by 2026.