The recent advancement in space science and technology is one of the primary drivers of human exploration and exploitation of mars

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) awarded a $100,000 cooperative agreement to the West Virginia University Research Corporation under the Office of Stem Engagement (OSTEM) program (CFDA 43.008). The two-year award will support research into developing transgenic plants that can selectively extract toxic heavy metals from Mars-like soils to produce edible food crops. Understanding plant adaptability to simulated extraterrestrial environments will help NASA researchers design plant growth systems for space biology initiatives. A subaward of $TBD was provided to the West Virginia State University Research and Development Corporation to conduct related research on sweet potato, a crop showing stress tolerance potential. The funding will advance NASA's goals of expanding STEM education and enabling long-term human exploration of Mars through bio-regenerative life support systems.

Several international space agencies have announced a crewed exploration of mars in the near future. The innate abilit