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First Black-eyed Pea Sprouts in Space by ISRO

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
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