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The ASTROCULTURE(TM) flight experiment series, validating technologies for growing plants in space
R C Morrow1, R J Bula, T W Tibbitts
1Wisconsin Center for Space Automation and Robotics (WCSAR), University of Wisconsin-Madison, 53706, USA.
Advances in Space Research : the Official Journal of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR)
|November 1, 1994
Summary
The ASTROCULTURE(TM)-1 experiment successfully demonstrated that a porous tube nutrient delivery system (PTNDS) effectively supplies water and nutrients to plants in microgravity. This system shows promise for supporting plant growth in space, including on lunar or Martian bases.
Area of Science:
- Space agriculture
- Plant physiology in microgravity
- Bioregenerative life support systems
Background:
- Growing plants in microgravity is essential for long-duration space missions.
- Previous systems faced challenges in delivering water and nutrients effectively.
- The ASTROCULTURE(TM)-1 (ASC-1) experiment aimed to validate key hardware for space-based plant cultivation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the operational characteristics and hardware performance of a porous tube nutrient delivery system (PTNDS).
- To assess the PTNDS's capability to supply water and nutrients to plants in a microgravity environment.
- To compare the PTNDS performance in microgravity with its performance in a 1g (Earth gravity) environment.
Main Methods:
- The PTNDS was flown on the ASTROCULTURE(TM)-1 (ASC-1) experiment aboard the STS-50 mission (U.S. Microgravity Laboratory-1).
- Operational data and hardware performance were monitored during the flight.
- Water transfer rates were analyzed based on pore size, supply fluid pressure, and fluid loop pressure differentials.
Main Results:
- The PTNDS successfully supplied water and nutrients to plants in microgravity.
- PTNDS performance in microgravity was comparable to its performance in 1g.
- Water transfer rates were influenced by tube pore size and pressure differentials, with slightly higher rates observed in microgravity.
Conclusions:
- The PTNDS is a viable system for supporting plant growth in microgravity and partial gravity environments, such as lunar or Mars bases.
- This experiment validates a critical subsystem for future ASTROCULTURE(TM) flights.
- Further research will evaluate other essential subsystems for space plant cultivation, including lighting and environmental controls.