Interplay of Cyber Physical Systems for Space Technologies with Emphasis on Space Crop Farming

Space farming refers to the practice of growing plants and cultivating crops in outer space. This practice is being researched due to its potential in addressing the need for sustainable food production, especially for long-duration space missions wherein plants hold a vital role in life support systems of the spacecraft. There are many challenges associated with cultivating crops in the harsh and resource-constrained environments of space. Cyber-physical systems hold potential as a solution to many of these problems as they combine the physical world with the virtual world of information and computation. As such, this study focuses on providing a comprehensive review of the Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Digital Twin (DT) technologies that show potential in space farming applications. It was found that augmented reality holds promising potential for guided planting and maintenance, real-time data visualization, digital crop simulation. Similarly, virtual reality shows potential for training and education as well as for simulation and modeling space farming conditions. Lastly, digital twin can be used for remote control and monitoring of space farming systems, and for the predictive analytics and decision-making support. This study also proposes an integrated cyber-physical system with VR, AR, and Digital Twin components for a multi-faceted approach to improving ground-based space farming research and training as well as the space farming capabilities in the International Space Station.