Abstract
The micro gravity pocket (MGP) was designed to be used for continuous cropping of root crops in microgravity within a controlled environment. NASA plans for a 'Salad Machine' to grow carrot and radish in microgravity for consumption by the astronauts. The pocket system was designed to be light weight, easy to plant, monitor and harvest, with no free water and low energy requirements. The MGP system was developed using porous sheets of plastic to wick water to the plant roots. The design was tested with radish, growing horizontally facing a metal halide lamp. The hydrophilic property of the porous sheet made water available to the roots, but the small size of the pores prevented root growth into the sheet. The MGP was not significantly different in yield compared to the porous tube.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages | 4461-4473 |
Number of pages | 13 |
State | Published - 2000 |
Event | 2000 ASAE Annual International Meeting, Technical Papers: Engineering Solutions for a New Century - Milwaukee, WI., United States Duration: Jul 9 2000 → Jul 12 2000 |
Other
Other | 2000 ASAE Annual International Meeting, Technical Papers: Engineering Solutions for a New Century |
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Country/Territory | United States |
City | Milwaukee, WI. |
Period | 7/9/00 → 7/12/00 |
Keywords
- Advanced Life Support
- Nutrient delivery system
- Root crop production
- Salad machine
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Engineering(all)