The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a significant milestone in space agriculture by successfully germinating black-eyed pea (lobia) seeds aboard its Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies (CROPS). This breakthrough underscores the potential for cultivating sustainable food sources for long-duration space missions, essential for meeting the nutritional and psychological needs of astronauts during extended periods in space.
Key Highlights
ISRO’s CROPS Initiative
- Objective: To explore plant growth in space and simulate Earth-like conditions, excluding gravity.
- CROPS-1 Mission
- Demonstrated germination and initial plant growth in a spacecraft’s controlled environment.
- Designed as a mini greenhouse with soil-like media and Earth-like atmospheric conditions.
Challenges of Space Agriculture
- Microgravity: Roots cannot grow downward; water clings to surfaces instead of reaching the roots.
- Radiation: High levels can damage DNA and hinder plant growth.
- Temperature Fluctuations: Extreme variations pose risks to plant development.
- Light Conditions: Limited sunlight impacts photosynthesis, especially in deep-space missions.
Methods of Cultivation in Space
- Hydroponics: Nutrient delivery via liquid solutions.
- Aeroponics: Mist-based nutrient delivery, reducing water and fertilizer usage.
- Soil-like Media: Mimics terrestrial soil for a familiar growth environment.
Technical Specifications of CROPS-1
- Mini greenhouse setup with porous clay pellets as the soil medium.
- Atmospheric Controls: Earth-like temperature (20-30°C) and light cycles (16-hour day/8-hour night).
- Water Delivery: Electric valve for precise moisture regulation.
Germination Process
- Initiation: Water was injected into the medium post-launch.
- Growth Monitoring: Sensors tracked CO₂ and O₂ levels.
- Results: Seeds sprouted on the 4th day; two leaves emerged by the 5th day.
Ideal Plants for Space Cultivation
- Leafy Greens: Lettuce, spinach – quick-growing and nutrient-rich.
- Legumes: Beans, peas – protein-rich and nitrogen-fixing.
- Root Vegetables: Radishes, carrots – suitable for compact spaces.
- Grains: Wheat, rice – essential for long-term sustenance.
Future Prospects
- Focus on extending growth stages beyond the two-leaf phase.
- Development of active control systems for sustainable growth.
- Integration of space-grown plants into closed-loop life support systems.
Summary/Static | Details |
Why in the news? | First Black-eyed Pea Sprouts in Space by ISRO |
Mission Name | CROPS (Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies) |
Objective | Sustainable plant growth in space for long-term missions |
Key Challenge | Microgravity, radiation, temperature fluctuations, and limited sunlight |
Cultivation Methods | Hydroponics, Aeroponics, Soil-like Media |
Technical Features | Mini greenhouse, porous clay pellets, controlled atmosphere, and LEDs |
Results | Black-eyed pea seeds germinated; sprouting and leaf growth observed |
Ideal Plants | Lettuce, spinach, beans, peas, radishes, wheat, rice |
Future Focus | Longer growth cycles, integration into life support systems |