Development of a plant growth support system for experiments on the ISS

The European Modular Cultivation System (EMCS) is one of a wide range of laboratory modules under construction by ESA that will be placed on the International Space Station (ISS). In the present study the development and construction of an important component in the EMCS, the Plant Cultivation Container (PCC), is described. The PCC as a "flower pot" will automatically provide the plants with water and liquid nutrients as needed. The PCC is located inside the plant growth unit, the Experiment Container (EC), on the EMCS and interfaces with the EMCS. The essential parts of the PCC are a Peltier element, a micro valve, a monitoring RH sensor with an integrated platinum RTD temperature sensor, a RH sensor that detects air leaving the PCC and controls the peristaltic pump, a DC-DC board that provides correct current to the Peltier element, and a switch/connector board. The PCC is presently being tested out at ESTEC/ESA.