There are more benefits to growing food directly on Mars or the shuttle as
well. Fresh food has been proven to psychologically benefit the crew of the ISS
and Mars mission simulations, especially when the plants have been grown by
the crew themselves. Fresh food also allows the crew to cook their own food,
providing even more variety and a morale boost. Giving the crew an
opportunity to cook their own food will make them more willing to eat what they
have, which will allow the crew to be healthier than if they simply ate to survive
due to dislike for the food.
Growing plants directly on Mars is currently the most efficient, cost-friendly,
and crew-friendly option there is for feeding a Mars mission.
-
A. Corkin