Leafy Astronauts (April 9, 2001 article) Around this time of year, northern school childern begin sowing seeds and tending classrooom gardens; it's a familiar springtime tradition. If NASA scientists have their way, this annual gardening practice could turn into something much more-- astronaut training! Future spacefarers gardeing will be a time of survival. Not only will plants provide food when deliveries from Earth aren't possible, but plants will also work to make air able to breathe and water able to drink. Sooner or later plants and people will be able to live togther in a balanced, sustainable habitat. Plants have been to space since the 1960's, however, NASA's plant growth trials began in the 1990's. Experiments aboard the spce shuttle and International Space Station have exposed plants to the effects of microgravity. These trials use the principels of aeroponics: growing plans in an air/mist environment with no soil and very little water. Aeroponic growing systems provide clean, efficient, and rapid food prodution. Crops can be planted and harvested in the system year round without interruption, and without contamination from soil, pesticides, and residue. Text: Parker G., Julian Middle School Barry, Patrick L. "Leafy Green Astronuats." Scienece NASA. 29 Jan. 2008 <http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2001/ast09apr_1.htm>. "Progressive Plant Growing is a Blooming Business." NASA. 23 Apr. 2007. 29 Jan. 2008 <http://www.nasa.gov/vision/earth/technologies/aeroponic_plants.html>. Photo: {{Public domain: USA gov}} |
