Chickpeas grown in lunar soil simulant for first time could become food source on moon

Scientists at University of Texas and Texas A&M have successfully grown chickpeas in simulated lunar soil for the first time, potentially solving food sustainability challenges for future moon missions. The researchers mixed sterile moon dirt simulant with earthworm compost and protective fungi, enabling chickpeas to thrive in soil mixtures containing up to 75% lunar material. The team must still test whether the harvested chickpeas are safe to eat and nutritionally adequate for astronauts.