In 1962, NASA loaded 22,900 gallons of water onto a Saturn I rocket and deliberately blew the container apart 65 miles above Earth to study what water would do in the upper atmosphere

NASA explored biological life-support systems for extended space travel decades ago. Researchers examined recycling resources and using living organisms to sustain astronauts. Plants and microorganisms could process waste and provide essential resources for missions. This early work laid the groundwork for future lunar and Martian settlements. Sustainable living beyond Earth remains a significant scientific and engineering challenge.