How a NASA Life Support Engineer Ended Up Farming in a Warehouse
Most farms start with a patch of land and a love of plants. Moonflower Farms started with space.
Before founding Houston’s first indoor vertical farm, Federico Marques was helping NASA figure out how to grow food in space. His early work with Bioregenerative Life Support Systems at the Stennis Space Center focused on one of humanity’s biggest challenges: how to create closed-loop ecosystems that could support astronauts on long-duration missions.
As it turns out, the tools designed to sustain life in space have a lot to teach us about growing clean, sustainable food here on Earth.
From Wastewater to Food Systems
Before launching Moonflower Farms, Federico’s career included a strikingly different—but equally innovative—project: managing a greenhouse that used plants to clean industrial wastewater at a chemical plant. The concept? Use natural systems to do what filters and chemicals often cannot.
That experience left an impression. In an era of climate pressure and resource scarcity, Federico saw something bigger than just engineering solutions—he saw how nature, technology, and human ingenuity could work together to restore balance.
Moonflower Farms was born from that intersection.
A Name with a Mission
The name “Moonflower” isn’t just poetic. It comes from Federico’s original vision: to help NASA one day “put flowers on the moon.” That spirit of innovation and hope is embedded in everything the farm does.
Launched in 2016, Moonflower became the first indoor vertical farm in Texas. Today, it operates out of a warehouse in Houston, using hydroponic systems to grow greens and herbs that are fresh, clean, and incredibly efficient. The farm uses 95% less water than traditional methods, doesn’t require soil or pesticides, and is powered by a vision for the future of food.
Farming for Earth—With an Eye on the Stars
The connection to space isn’t just a fun fact. Moonflower still works with the NASA Space Alliance Technical Outreach Program and continues to explore how farming can support not just Earth’s growing cities, but potentially space habitats in the future.
But the team’s focus remains grounded—literally and figuratively. They’re deeply invested in helping Houston solve local challenges, like food access, sustainability, and education. Moonflower hosts farm tours, offers classes, and works with schools and chefs to show what’s possible when farming reimagines the rules.
- “Blew my mind what they’re doing in a warehouse in Houston,” one visitor said.
- “Clean, efficient, and totally different from any farm I’ve seen.”
Why This Story Matters
Moonflower isn’t just about growing microgreens. It’s about rethinking how food, water, and air intersect in the heart of our cities. It’s about taking lessons from space exploration and applying them to the neighborhoods where we live.
For visitors, it’s a chance to witness that intersection firsthand. You’ll leave with more than just new knowledge—you’ll leave inspired by what’s possible.
Explore Experiences at Moonflower Farms
Ready to see it for yourself?
- 🌱 Houston Hydroponic Greenhouse Farm Tour
- 💧 Intro to Urban Farming & Hydroponics
- 💼 Build a Microgreens Business & Sell to Restaurants
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