– ABOUT
ARC CoE in Plants for Space
The ARC Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space (P4S) was established to tackle the challenges of long-term off-Earth habitation. Commencing in January 2024, P4S is funded until 2031 and is focused on reimagining plant design and bioresource production to support human life in space.
P4S aims to develop sustainable solutions for space missions, addressing critical needs such as nutritious food, pharmaceuticals, and construction materials. This research is vital for upcoming missions, including the 2028 lunar presence and future crewed Mars expeditions.
Leveraging Australia’s world-class research and development capabilities, P4S is set to drive growth in the global biomanufacturing sector and the rapidly expanding controlled environment agriculture industry. The Centre will train over 400 researchers, creating a new generation of industry-focused scientists.
P4S is poised to become an international leader in plant-based space food, materials, and engineering, with breakthroughs expected to enhance plant efficiency in challenging Earth environments as well. Collaborating with 13 academic institutions, major space agencies like NASA, and key industry partners, P4S is a significant contributor to global space exploration efforts, including the Artemis program.
Photo credit: ARC Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space
BIOPLATORMS PARTNERSHIP
Bioplatforms Australia’s partnership supports access to national state-of-the-art omics facilities, enabling researchers to generate and analyse biological data in pursuit of scientific understanding.