Farming in Space

GS 3 – SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY – SPACE

ISRO CROPS Mission
ISRO recently achieved a significant milestone by successfully germinating lobia seeds during its CROPS module experiment, advancing sustainable farming in space.

Why Grow Plants in Space?

1. Sustainable Food Source: Growing plants reduces reliance on pre-packaged food, offering fresh nutrition for astronauts on long missions.
2. Oxygen Generation: Plants release oxygen through photosynthesis, maintaining breathable air inside spacecraft.
3. Recycling Systems: Space farming creates a closed-loop life support system by recycling CO2 and organic waste.
4. Mental Health Benefits: Caring for plants improves astronauts’ morale and helps alleviate stress during extended missions.

Methods of Space Farming

1. Hydroponics:
   • Plants grow in nutrient-rich liquid solutions without soil.
   • Efficient in water use and commonly used in space.
2. Aeroponics:
   • Roots are suspended in air and sprayed with nutrient mist.
   • Reduces water, fertiliser use, and eliminates the need for pesticides.
3. Soil-like Media:
   • Uses porous clay pellets mimicking terrestrial soil.
   • Retains water and slowly releases nutrients for plant growth.
4. Veggie System:
   • A hydroponic-based system on the ISS.
   • Supports the cultivation of various plants in confined spaces.

Challenges of Growing Plants in Space

1. Microgravity:
   • Complicates water and nutrient absorption since roots cannot orient downward.
2. Radiation Exposure:
   • High radiation damages plant DNA and stunts growth.
3. Temperature Variations:
   • Extreme temperatures require advanced insulation systems.
4. Light Availability:
   • Outer solar system missions have reduced sunlight, affecting photosynthesis.

ISRO’s CROPS Experiment

Design and Functionality:

• Greenhouse Module: Simulates Earth-like conditions in space.
• Growing Medium: Uses porous clay pellets with slow-release fertilisers for water retention and nutrient delivery.
• Light Simulation: Uses eight LEDs (four warm, four cool) programmed for 16 hours of light and 8 hours of darkness.
• Temperature and Atmosphere: Maintains a controlled range of 20–30°C with Earth-like atmospheric conditions.
• Water Delivery: Operated by an electric valve controlled from Earth to inject water into the growing medium.

Results:

• Lobia seeds sprouted on the fourth day, with leaves appearing on the fifth day, indicating successful germination in microgravity.