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One of the key enabling technologies for the human exploration of space is regenerative life support. Full regeneration must include the production of food, usually planned to be by plants in a Controlled Ecological Life Support System (CELSS). With regard to power, one of the most efficient ways to incorporate food production by higher plants into a CELSS life support system design is to use natural sunlight. For a lunar base, this would involve developing a plant growth unit with greenhouse-like capabilities, one which could exist on or just beneath the lunar surface where it would be exposed to a number of natural hazards. Some of these hazards could potentially affect the crew as well as the other living components of the life support system. As a result, the plant growth unit design must incorporate appropriate protective measures.