In what sounds like it could set up a sequel to The Martian movie, researchers from North West University are testing the viability of different techniques that could be used to grow food in space.
The university is adding to a body of research that has been absent on the African continent until now.
Space biology researcher Professor Henk Bouwman told News24 growing food in space or on other planets was one of the key challenges that must be addressed to make it possible to live sustainably outside of earth for extended periods.