Abstract

Transforming Martian Regolith with Black Soldier Flies, Hermetia illucens

Author(s): Richard O. Murphy*, William Shipman, Peter Targonski, Chandler Livingston, Ben Miranda, Matthew Kerl, Harsh Gandhi, Gabriel Lloyd, Jackson Butler, Carai Cortez, Neer Patel, John F. Beckmann

The sustainability of long-term Martian colonization hinges on the ability to produce food from the soil of the planet. Current space missions rely on pre-packaged food, a model unsuitable for extended missions to Mars due to mass, supply, and logistical constraints. This study explores the feasibility of Black Soldier Flies, Hermetia illucens, as a soil fertility enhancer via composting organic matter. We designed a 3D printed, compact BSF composter to process Martian soil simulant into arable soil. Additionally, we subjected BSF larvae to G-force testing and demonstrated high survivability under rocket launch conditions and centrifugal forces of up to 40 G’s. Composting experiments involved introducing BSF to Martian soil simulant and an organic food source (mung beans) over a one-month composting duration. Soil analyses showed significant nutrient increases, notably in the plant-availability of potassium (+1179%), magnesium (+67%), phosphorus (+803%), and manganese (+7847%), enhancing the soil’s suitability for crop cultivation. These findings underscore the resilience and potential of BSF for extraterrestrial agriculture. This study lays the groundwork for BSF-based composting systems as a sustainable solution for soil fertility management and nutritional supplementation on Mars, fostering future research on astroentomology and in-situ resource utilization.