Roto-Gro is capitalizing on the space exploration boom as it takes on a challenge from NASA developing new food production technologies to feed astronauts on long-term missions.
Advanced Agrotech Enterprise Roto-Gro International (ASX: RGI) aims to feed the world’s astronauts by capitalizing on innovations in food production systems and the rise of space exploration.
Roto-Gro World Wide (Canada), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Roto-Gro International, applied to the Deep Space Food Challenge as part of its first steps into space farming.
Administered as part of an international collaboration between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), the international competition aims to encourage the development of new food production technologies needed for long-term space missions. and terrestrial applications.
Roto-Gro’s application highlights the technological diversification and adaptability of its proprietary, patented indoor vertical farming technology.
Food needs of astronauts change as missions evolve
Astronauts currently receive food from spacecraft launched regularly from Earth, for example to the International Space Station.
However, NASA and the CSA recognize that as the distance and duration of space exploration missions increase, the current method of feeding astronauts will no longer be sustainable.
Future astronauts will need to use food production systems on their travels and be self-sufficient. The challenge aims to inspire the agriculture industry to help bring innovative food production technologies to space, reduce the need for resupply from Earth, and ensure astronauts have a continuous safe and nutritious food supply.
The ability to develop sustainable food production is seen as the crucial next step for longer-term human presence on the lunar surface and future missions to Mars.
The challenge is not only for space exploration, but also for missions in extremely arid and resource-poor environments on Earth. Like space, input efficiency will be essential, including the efficient use of water and electricity to reduce the resources needed to produce food here on Earth.
Adapting existing Roto-Gro designs is key to space success
A new Roto-Gro rotary garden system – branded Roto-Gro Beyond Earth – will be designed with custom engineering of components from its existing Model 420 and 710 rotary garden systems.
Roto-Gro Beyond Earth will be a smaller, more portable version of the Model 420, but will feature the injection feeding system of the Model 710, significantly reducing the resource inputs required while maximizing nutritional results compared to other feeding technologies. indoor farming.
Roto-Gro CEO Michael Di Tommaso said Roto-Gro Beyond Earth will enhance the unique and already existing benefits of its rotating garden systems, optimizing both operational efficiency and yield per m2which is crucial for the development and prospective use of food production systems in space.
“The technology developed to train the challenge app is stunning, demonstrating the broad applicability and sheer innovation of the company’s technology,” Di Tommaso said.
He said the company has developed several key relationships with organizations currently providing food system solutions for long-duration space travel, as well as others focused on using space to solve the problems that we meet on earth.
“We seek to develop and foster these relationships in the future, thereby strengthening our position in the industry,” Di Tommaso said.
He said entering the space farming sector was a natural progression for Roto-Gro, supporting its vision to provide sustainable technology solutions for agricultural cultivation, essential to ensuring global food security.
“Innovation in the food system is critical to our progress in the space, and we are excited about the prospect of moving into the next phase of the Deep Space Food Challenge, while generating further opportunities to develop and implement Roto-Gro’s technology in the industry,” says Di Tommaso.
Roto-Gro Global plans international growth
Established in 2015, Roto-Gro continues to generate interest globally.
The company recently partnered with agricultural company Verity Greens Inc., which signed a $10 million binding technology license for the purchase of 624 RotoGro Model 710 rotary garden systems, with the world’s first vertical agricultural installation flagship interior to be built in Canada.
The deal is expected to generate recurring and sustainable long-term revenue, with Di Tommaso hailing it not only as a “win-win” for both companies, but also as a company that operates on a socially responsible level by helping to combat the global food shortages.
“RotoGro will bring our breakthrough technology to the burgeoning indoor vertical farming space, while Verity Greens, using RotoGro garden systems and support technology, will operate with viable and profitable competitive advantage,” he said. .
“Verity Green’s first installation also serves to further its goals – to deploy indoor vertical farming facilities globally using RotoGro’s technology, not only to generate substantial revenue for both companies, but also to provide true sustainable solution to solve the problems caused by food insecurity.”
This article was developed in conjunction with Roto-Gro International, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publication.
This article does not constitute advice on financial products. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.
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