ISRO’S SPACE AGRICULTURE: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

ISRO’S SPACE AGRICULTURE: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

NEWS: How and why are plants grown in space: Takeaways from ISRO’s success

 

WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?

ISRO's Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies (CROPS) successfully germinated black-eyed pea seeds in space, demonstrating a breakthrough in space farming. This experiment addresses challenges like microgravity, radiation, and light scarcity, advancing sustainable food production for long-term space missions.

 

1. Why Grow Plants in Space?

  • Sustainability for Long-Term Missions:
  • Food resupply to missions on Mars and the Moon is logistically challenging. Space farming offers a sustainable alternative.
  • Closed-Loop Life Support:
  • Plants recycle carbon dioxide into oxygen and utilize waste, creating a self-sufficient ecosystem.
  • They improve mental well-being, offering a psychological boost to astronauts through greenery and fresh food.

 

2. Challenges of Growing Plants in Space

  • Microgravity Effects:
  • Roots cannot grow downward, disrupting nutrient absorption.
  • Water does not flow naturally; it adheres to surfaces due to surface tension.
  • Exposure to Radiation and Temperature Extremes:
  • High radiation levels damage plant DNA, affecting growth and reproduction.
  • Temperature in space fluctuates drastically, necessitating thermal insulation.
  • Light Scarcity:
  • In deep space, sunlight is minimal, impacting photosynthesis. Without light, plants consume more oxygen than they produce.

 

3. Methods of Growing Plants in Space

  • Hydroponics:
  • A soilless system where nutrients are delivered via water solutions. Common in space farming experiments.
  • Aeroponics:
  • Nutrient delivery through mist, using significantly less water and fertilizer.
  • Soil-Like Media:
  • ISRO used porous clay pellets that retain water and provide a slow-release fertilizer for nutrients.

 

4. ISRO’s CROPS Experiment

  • Setup:
  • A mini greenhouse module was designed to replicate Earth-like conditions.
  • Light Simulation: Warm and cool LEDs provided 16-hour light and 8-hour dark cycles to mimic day-night patterns.
  • Growth Medium: Porous clay pellets with embedded fertilizers allowed water retention and gradual nutrient release.
  • Temperature Regulation: The module maintained an optimal range of 20–30°C.
  • Water Delivery: An Earth-controlled electric valve ensured precise water injection into the medium.
  • Results:
  • The black-eyed pea seeds germinated on the fourth day, with visible leaves on the fifth, marking the experiment's success.

 

5. Ideal Plants for Space Farming

  • Selection Criteria:
  • Fast growth, high nutrient content, and adaptability to space farming systems are key factors.
  • Leafy Greens:
  • Lettuce, spinach, and kale grow quickly and require minimal space while being nutrient-rich.
  • Legumes:
  • Beans and peas are protein-rich and help fix nitrogen in the growth medium.
  • Root Vegetables:
  • Radishes and carrots thrive in compact environments and have short growth cycles.

 

Source : https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-sci-tech/how-and-why-are-plants-grown-in-space-takeaways-from-isros-success-9781186/