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First flight of the ASTROCULTURE (TM) experiment as a part of the U.S. Shuttle/MIR program
1Wisconsin Center for Space Automation and Robotics, University of Wisconsin-Madison 53706, USA.
Advances in Space Research : the Official Journal of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR)
|September 7, 2001
Summary
Space experiments show microgravity doesn't significantly impact plant growth, but radiation can disrupt critical flight hardware. Future space missions require radiation-hardened electronics for reliable plant cultivation.
Area of Science:
- Space Biology
- Plant Physiology
- Aerospace Engineering
Background:
- Previous space experiments yielded inconclusive results on microgravity's effect on plant reproduction.
- Environmental control in spaceflight plant growth chambers is crucial for accurate research.
- The ASTROCULTURE (TM) flight unit was designed for controlled plant growth in space.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess super dwarf wheat growth and seed production in microgravity using the ASTROCULTURE (TM) unit.
- To evaluate the performance of the ASTROCULTURE (TM) flight unit on the MIR space station.
- To identify potential environmental factors affecting plant reproduction in space.
Main Methods:
- A ground control experiment validated the ASTROCULTURE (TM) unit's performance with wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).
- The flight unit was transported to the MIR space station via STS-89.
- The experiment was initiated on-orbit, but the flight unit malfunctioned within 24 hours.
Main Results:
- The ASTROCULTURE (TM) flight unit ceased functioning shortly after activation on MIR.
- Post-mission analysis revealed the control computer suffered a radiation hit, corrupting its software.
- This indicates a significant risk of radiation interference with electronic components on high-inclination orbits.
Conclusions:
- Radiation poses a substantial threat to sensitive electronic components in spaceflight hardware, particularly on high-inclination orbits like MIR and the ISS.
- Future space missions must incorporate radiation-hardened electronics to ensure the reliability of experiments, including plant cultivation.
- Further research is needed to mitigate radiation effects on space-based biological experiments.