USSF Guardian advances space agriculture research in NASA study

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jaime Sanchez
  • Space Base Delta 1
SCHRIEVER SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. --  In an ongoing NASA study set in the backdrop of Arizona, U.S. Space Force Sgt. William Wallace, 4th Space Operations Squadron payload engineer, was invited to further continue the science community's understanding of extraterrestrial agriculture.
Wallace and his team stand in front of the backdrop of the Space Analog for the Moon and Mars

U.S. Airmen, Guardians and scientists pose for a photo at the Space Analog for the Moon and Mars (SAM) at Biosphere 2, Oracle, Arizona, Feb.13, 2025. The American Public University System’s Analog Research Group (AARG) conducted its first 10-day analog mission at the SAM research station with two crews: the blue team and the red team. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jhade Herrera)
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Wallace was welcomed back to participate in a follow-up study that was held in the Space Analog for the Moon and Mars habitat at Biosphere 2 at the University of Arizona. The study, led by the American Public University System Analog Research Group, aimed to simulate space conditions and explore innovative solutions for sustaining human life beyond Earth.

“Sgt. Wallace was selected for this study due to his prior experience on an APUS Analog Research Group mission last year, as well as his educational and Space Force experience,” said Dr. Kristen Miller, professor in the Department of Space Studies at APUS. “William’s educational background in biology, combined with his graduate studies in space sciences, made him an ideal candidate for algae research during a space analog mission. His experience in the Space Force also prepared him to perform well under the stresses of an isolated, confined environment, as well as the leadership experience needed for his position as the lead crew researcher for both spirulina projects.”
Wallace is standing next to a lab table that has on it multiple lab equipment and flask filled with algae.

U.S. Space Force Spc. 4 William Wallace, 4th Space Operations Squadron payload engineer, stands next to vegetation racks at the Space Analog for the Moon and Mars at the Biosphere 2, Oracle, Arizona, Feb. 12, 2025. Wallace was welcomed back to participate in a follow-up study that was held at the SAM, where he participated in multiple studies aimed at making future space travel and colonization possible for the future astronauts. (Courtesy photo)
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During his previous mission, he served as the lead researcher on a NASA-funded spirulina project. Spirulina, a blue-green algae that could potentially be used as a dietary supplement for astronauts on space missions, was studied as a biofertilizer to support plant growth in simulated Martian regolith and high-CO₂ environments. Building on this foundation, Wallace returned to lead a follow-up study on spirulina cultivation, further refining techniques for algae transport, revitalization and growth optimization in extraterrestrial conditions.

During the first phase of the mission, Wallace was responsible for clarifying research protocols, troubleshooting equipment issues, and training the follow-on team to continue the research after the mid-mission crew swap. Throughout his time in the habitat, he carefully monitored the health and growth rates of spirulina samples, ensuring proper environmental conditions for their development. Before transitioning out of the habitat, he performed a full harvest procedure on the initial samples and initiated a new batch of cultures to be observed by the second team.

“We know that microgreens can grow in almost any type of soil when you start to restrict the nutrients,” Wallace said. “The spirulina is such a great fertilizer that no matter if it’s pure regolith or terra petra from the Amazon, plants grow better with it. It’s a night-and-day difference, with stocks growing thicker, leaves being greener and faster overall growth.”

Mission APUS Analog Research Group-1S encompassed multiple scientific studies, all aimed at addressing challenges associated with long-term space habitation. In addition to Wallace’s work with spirulina, the mission explored crew interaction and time latency, analyzing how communication delays impact teamwork—a crucial factor for deep-space missions. Other research areas included gravity’s effect on the human body and cardiovascular response, microbial spread in a sealed habitat, and the use of drones for extravehicular activities to improve astronaut situational awareness. The team also investigated the effects of a plant-based diet on crew health and performance as well as water electrolysis methods, which is the process that uses electricity to cause chemical reactions, for oxygen and hydrogen production during the simulation.

The participation of Guardians like Wallace in space analog missions provides valuable real-world applications for military space operations. Analog habitats are specifically designed to mimic the isolated and confined environments of real space stations, like the International Space Station. Guardians who are accustomed to high-stress operational settings bring leadership skills and adaptability that make them ideal research leads and crew members.
Wallace stand in front the backdrop of the Space Analog for the Moon and Mars.

U.S. Space Force Sgt. William Wallace, 4th Space Operations Squadron satellite systems engineer, smiles for a photo at the Space Analog for the Moon and Mars (SAM) at Biosphere 2, Oracle, Arizona, Feb.13, 2025. Wallace participated in The American Public University System’s Analog Research Group’s (AARG) 10-day analog mission in support of their space studies research program. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jhade Herrera)
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“Participating in space research enriches classroom education for Guardians and also inspires them to want to learn more about space research and to work in the space sector,” Miller said.

Wallace’s contributions to APUS Analog Research Group-1S reinforced the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration between military, academic and space industry professionals. His expertise as both a scientist and a Guardian highlights how military space professionals can play an essential role in advancing scientific discoveries that support future space missions.

Other agencies involved included APUS’s Office of Research and Academic Excellence and Cyanotech Corporation, reflecting a broader partnership in scientific exploration.

To read about the first study, follow the link: https://dvidshub.net/r/8l65gv

 

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