ISRO GERMINATES BLACK-EYED PEA SEEDS IN SPACE: A STEP TOWARD SPACE AGRICULTURE

PRELIMS BITS

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has achieved a significant milestone in space agriculture by successfully germinating black-eyed pea seeds aboard its Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies (CROPS). This breakthrough supports sustainable food sources for extended space missions, addressing both astronaut nutrition and mental well-being.

Key Highlights of the CROPS Initiative:

• Mission Design: CROPS simulates Earth-like conditions, excluding gravity, to study plant growth in space.
• First Experiment (CROPS-1): Demonstrated seed germination and initial plant growth in a controlled environment.
• Technical Features: A mini greenhouse setup uses porous clay pellets as a soil-like medium with controlled temperature, light, and moisture.

Challenges in Space Agriculture:

• Microgravity disrupts root growth and water distribution.
• Plants face high radiation, extreme temperature changes, and limited light.

Cultivation Methods:

• Hydroponics: Nutrients delivered through liquid solutions.
• Aeroponics: Mist reduces water and fertilizer needs.
• Soil-like Media: Mimics traditional growth environments.

Process and Progress: Water injection initiated germination, and sensors monitored plant growth. By the fourth day, sprouting occurred, and two leaves emerged by day five.

Future Plans: ISRO plans to focus on longer growth phases and advanced control systems for sustained plant cultivation in space, paving the way for future human missions to celestial bodies.