Plasma for the Space Environment: An Overview of the Research at NASA's Kennedy Space Center

Human life amongst other planets requires vast technological advancements to sustain nutritional, environmental, and logistical needs. Plasma systems allow for advanced chemical processing while mitigating consumable needs or reliance on industrial infrastructure. Scientists at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center are attempting to close technology gaps with research into plasmas and their applications. Some such work includes the use of plasma for waste gasification, water activation, nutrient recovery techniques, lunar regolith reduction for oxygen extraction, and space crop production support. Here we report on the needs, success criteria, and results of plasma efforts for crewed transit and planetary habitation.