Plants in Space. The Exciting Story of Botanical Research in Space.

For almost a century and a half it was thought that gravity was necessary for roots to grow in the right direction—down, and away from the leaves. It was Charles Darwin who showed that, when plants were grown on a slanted surface, the roots grew skewed to one side. But, in , it was found that the roots of plants grown on the ISS also grew skewed.

Researchers hypothesised that, in the absence of gravity, roots instead use light as their cue to tell them which way to grow away from the leaves, and the light.

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The light source, though, needs to be sufficiently strong and directed. Among other changes in gene expression, the genes involved in light-sensing, which on Earth are normally expressed in leaves, are in space expressed in roots. So roots and shoots will, in the absence of gravity as a primary stimulus, make use of other stimuli.

They are very adaptive! An important technological advance enabling plants to be grown in space has been the development of light-emitting diodes, or LEDs. In early experiments, fluorescent or high-pressure sodium lamps GLOSSARY sodium lamps gas-discharge lamps that use sodium in an excited state to produce light were used as the light source.

They were far from ideal, using up a huge amount of energy. But from the s, experiments with new materials resulted in the development of LEDs and, by the early s, more LED types, and more efficient LEDs, were commercially available. When it comes to space gardens, LEDs have lots of advantages. Perhaps most important is the fact that they use much less energy than the old-school fluorescent or sodium lights. Specific wavelengths can also be selected for specific plant responses, meaning less wasted light.

It works on the principle that some materials emit light when an electric current flows through them. An LED consists of among other things a positively charged material and a negatively charged material, separated by a semiconductor junction. When electrical current is applied, the atoms in both materials are pushed towards the junction.

When they get close, the negatively charged atoms donate their extra electrons to the positively charged atoms—as they fall into the holes of the positively charged material, the extra energy, in the form of photons, is released. In an LED, the wavelength of the released photons falls into the visible area of the light spectrum, with the result that it emits light. The different colours happen because different materials produce photons at different wavelengths—so varying the material of the semiconductor results in a different coloured light.

The Veggie system, for example, used red and blue LEDs as the light source for growing lettuces.

Although not strictly necessary for plants to grow, it also used some green LEDs. Experiments with, and technologies developed for, plant production on the ISS have also proved valuable for agriculture back here on Earth, especially for areas in which water is scarce, soil is poor or space is limited. Plant scientists at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, for example, were one of the first groups to demonstrate vertical farming—in which plants are grown in hydroponic trays stacked in layers, with an electric light source.

How to Talk to Your Plants: Using LEDs to grow better crops - Science in the News

Plant experiments on the ISS have also led to the development of an air purification device which is useful in preventing mould. Scientists on the space station observed that their plants, grown in contained spaces, were being destroyed by the build-up of a naturally occurring plant hormone called ethylene. In collaboration with the University of Wisconsin, researchers developed an ethylene removal system that banishes viruses, bacteria and mould from the plant-growth system.

The Veggie units are collapsible, so they can be stored in a locker taking up little space until needed. If you find it a stretch to wait for the final beep of the microwave before digging into some lunch, spare a thought for the ISS astronauts anticipating their first space-grown salad. Having been determined to be safe to eat, a second batch was grown for 33 days and harvested. They ate half the produce, with the other half being packaged up, frozen and sent back to Earth for tests.

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Next on the agenda for cultivation in Veggie was a flowering plant: A delivery of tomato seeds to the ISS is planned for or Might growing plants on the Red Planet might actually be possible at some time in the future? Offers classroom resources and opportunities for students of all ages to participate in research that could launch to space. Museum, learning center, and plant conservation research facility for engaging students, adults and educators in science. Educates the public on the importance of seed-grown foods in hopes of attracting bright minds to study agriculture.

Challenges students in grades to design a DNA experiment that will solve the real-life challenges of space exploration. Operates the Story Time From Space program promoting literacy and science by using the excitement of space exploration.

Take a look at what NASA have been growing on their space farm

Supports the Zero Robotics competition allowing students an opportunity to use the ISS as the location of the final event. Connects classrooms to the ISS through live updates allowing students to see exactly what the astronauts in space are seeing. Offers one-of-a-kind programs and exhibits for students and tourists including immersive multimedia experiences.

Connects the classroom to the International Space Station through exciting hands-on experiments. Part of the MIT Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics engaging students in research to further space exploration. Pairs high schoolers with mentors to develop solutions that help astronauts living and working on the International Space Station.

Inspires students by connecting them directly with researchers, scientists and engineers who are passionate about their work. National Geographic explorers, scientists, writers and photographers add visual beauty and global relevance to standards-aligned curricula.

Creates innovative programs that engage students with real research currently being conducted in laboratories on Earth and in orbit. Uses art to engage K and college students in STEM education, teamwork, communication and creative problem-solving skills. Brings space-based research within students' reach through hardware solutions that could potentially be launched to the ISS.

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Combines fun STEM activities for boys and girls in grades with Scouting values of leadership, cooperation, and community. Empowers young people from all over the world to participate and make an impact in space exploration. Provides space-related professional development for teachers to help excite their students about STEM.

Offers educational research and enables the public to share the unique vision of our home planet through Windows on Earth. Features historical and hands-on science exhibits, computer flight simulator lab, a full-dome planetarium and an ISS Virtual Tour. Produces and distributes media to help shape how the public, especially girls and youth of color, see STEM.

Holds the Wisconsin Crystal Growing Competition for middle and high school students with the winning experiment launching to space. Offers Space Station Academy and many other educational opportunities from an catalog of more than unique courses.

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Provides youth development programs for kids ages to help them reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens More Information. Offers outstanding STEM related web-based education and resources for students, teachers and the general public More Information. Engages students with space science through immersive team experiences that help bring their classroom studies to life More Information. Fosters a love for space science for children and adults alike through hands-on and minds-on experiences More Information.

Offers classroom resources and opportunities for students of all ages to participate in research that could launch to space More Information.