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Biomass Production System (BPS) plant growth unit
1Orbital Technologies Corporation, Madison, WI 53717, USA.
Advances in Space Research : the Official Journal of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR)
|September 7, 2001
Summary
The Biomass Production System (BPS) provides controlled environments for plant growth in space. This system supports scientific research and biotechnology applications during the Space Station era.
Area of Science:
- Space biology
- Biotechnology
- Plant science
Background:
- The Biomass Production System (BPS) was developed to support plant growth for scientific and commercial needs in space.
- It is designed for the Space Station era, offering advanced capabilities for in-orbit research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the design and capabilities of the Biomass Production System (BPS).
- To highlight its features for controlled plant cultivation and scientific experimentation in space environments.
Main Methods:
- The BPS features four independent growth chambers, each with active nutrient delivery and precise environmental controls (temperature, humidity, lighting, CO2).
- Environmental control utilizes thermoelectric heat exchangers, a porous interface heat exchanger for humidity, and fuzzy logic software.
- CO2 levels are managed using an infrared gas analyzer and CO2 injection, with provisions for CO2 scrubbing.
Main Results:
- Each chamber offers over 4 liters of growing volume with independent environmental parameter control.
- The system includes features for sealed measurements of gas and water vapor exchange.
- Integrated video cameras and data logging capabilities facilitate detailed scientific observation and data collection.
Conclusions:
- The Biomass Production System (BPS) is a versatile platform for space-based plant science and biotechnology.
- Its advanced environmental controls and data acquisition features support a wide range of research objectives in microgravity.