Aboard the International Space Station for the past four years, an experiment on the cultivation of various plants. And very soon, the Dragon spacecraft will deliver to the space a new batch of seedlings. Namely, cabbage and all the equipment needed for the experiment.
According to the publication Newswire, the first stirrings of the “space cabbage” was grown on the ISS in 2014, after which they were preserved and sent back to Earth. Experts on the Ground have undertaken all the necessary research and made sure that “space cabbage” is not dangerous and its composition may not cause harm to humans. Moreover, part of the first crop of cabbage astronauts safely eaten right on Board the ISS.
In the current experiment, the astronauts will grow Brassica juncea var. japonica, whose leaves are very popular in Japan. All experiments will be conducted on the well-proven install Veggie is a set of special capsules with seeds, soil and a special blue, green and red led light bulb that simulates daylight and enhances the growth of plants. In addition, the ISS will be delivered to a new version of pots. It was developed by experts of NASA, Orbital Technologies and specialists of the well-known manufacturer of kitchenware Tupperware firm. New pots eliminate the main drawback of Veggie — no automatic watering and plant care. In addition, compared to the old version, the new pots can be used repeatedly without returning back to Earth for maintenance.
Such a system, as suggested by the creators of the companies Orbital Technologies and NASA experts, can serve as a source of food and oxygen, during future space missions. In particular, during missions to Mars and the moon.
NASA will grow on the ISS “space cabbage”
Vladimir Kuznetsov