CURRENT AFFAIRS
CURRENT AFFAIRS
Description
Recent breakthroughs in space agriculture are becoming increasingly vital for long-term human missions to other celestial bodies. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully germinated black-eyed pea seeds in space as part of its Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies (CROPS). This achievement marks an important step towards developing sustainable food sources for extended space missions, addressing astronauts' nutritional needs and enhancing their psychological well-being.
ISRO’s CROPS Initiative
The CROPS project is focused on studying plant growth in space environments. It aims to simulate Earth-like conditions, excluding gravity. The first mission, CROPS-1, successfully demonstrated seed germination and the early stages of plant growth within a controlled space environment.
Challenges Of Space Agriculture
Growing plants in microgravity presents several unique challenges:
Roots cannot grow downwards due to the absence of gravity, and water distribution becomes complicated.
High radiation levels and extreme temperature fluctuations pose risks to plant growth.
Adequate light for photosynthesis is essential, especially in regions with limited sunlight.
Cultivation Methods In Space
Plants in space can be cultivated using different techniques
Hydroponics involves delivering nutrients through liquid solutions.
Aeroponics uses mist to reduce water and fertilizer consumption.
Soil-like media provides a familiar environment for plant growth, often created using porous clay pellets.
Technical Details Of CROPS-1
CROPS-1 uses a mini greenhouse setup that includes a soil-like medium made of porous clay pellets. The module replicates Earth’s atmospheric conditions, with controlled temperature and light cycles. Water is delivered via an electric valve, which allows precise control over moisture levels.
Germination Process
Once launched, water was injected into the soil medium to trigger germination. Sensors monitored the levels of carbon dioxide and oxygen, providing insight into plant growth. By the fourth day, sprouting occurred, and by the fifth day, two leaves had emerged.
Ideal Plants For Space
For space cultivation, fast-growing, nutrient-dense plants are preferred. Leafy greens like lettuce and spinach are ideal, along with beans for their protein content. Root vegetables and grains such as wheat and rice are also potential candidates for long-term space food sources.
Future Outlook
The next phase of the CROPS initiative will aim to extend plant growth beyond the two-leaf stage. This will involve the use of active control systems to regulate environmental factors, ensuring that plants can continue to grow and thrive in space, supporting the long-term sustainability of human space exploration.
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