Clovers in Space: ExoLab-8 Mission ExoLab-8 Mission The next Cygnus launch aboard the Antares rocket is scheduled for February 20, 2021 at 12:36 p.m. ET, from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS) Pad 0A on Wallops Island, Virginia. This resupply mission, known as Cygnus NG-15, will deliver approximately 3,279 kg of cargo to the International Space …
Parabolic flights (often called “vomit comet” flights) provide an analog platform for microgravity research. Essentially, a reduced-gravity aircraft flies upward, then it curves like a parabola and flies downward so fast that the people and equipment inside experience microgravity for less than 30 seconds. This brief period of weightlessness allows researchers time to do experiments, …
Microgreens in Space Why are edible plants important to space missions? Future long-term space missions are critically dependent on sustainably maintaining both the physiological and psychological health of crew members. One important aspect is the ability to provide crews with optimal nutrition while reducing the need for Earth-based resupply. The cost and space requirements currently …
This page includes all interviews we’ve conducted at astrobotany.com, and all interviews we’ve found from other sources. If you know of any interviews not listed on this page, please tell us on our contact page. our interviews Dr. Oscar Monje: coming soon! Dr. Kent Kobayashi: Explosive Curiosity for Science (2021) Dr. Gioia Massa: Growing Generations …
from the NASA Technology Transfer Program: NASA is seeking input for a possible space food challenge with a proposed opening in early 2021. The challenge objective is to identify and foster novel technologies, systems, and approaches for food production for long-duration space exploration missions. The proposed competition will challenge the public to help NASA create …
NASA Seeks Ideas for New Competition to Feed Astronauts on Long-Duration Space Missions Read More »
Although they seem like normal, everyday plants, beans have a hidden superpower that could make them indispensable crops for spaceflight. What makes them special? Beans, peas, and the other members of the family Fabaceae are called legumes, and many legumes are able to do something that other plants can’t: they can make root nodules. Essentially, …
Hello, fellow astrobotany enthusiasts! It’s Kai, and I’ve got a quick announcement. First off, I hope everyone is keeping well during the coronavirus outbreak. Take care of yourselves, and please stay safe and healthy. Next, as far as astrobotany goes, I wanted to share an opportunity for all astrobotanists/educators/enthusiasts who want to get more involved …
from a NASA PRESS RELEASE: Jess Bunchek, an associate scientist at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, observes plant cultivars inside the Veggie growth chamber in the Space Station Processing Facility prior to harvesting them on Sept. 30, 2019, for a science verification test (SVT). This SVT will study the potential of three plants – …
Shungiku, Red Romaine, and Mustard are being eyed as potential plant space crops Read More »
If you’re like me, you have dreams of one day launching into space and landing on Mars, but at the same time, you can’t bear to part with the culinary delicacies Earth has to offer. So what will future Mars astronauts and space colonists eat? Let’s first consider what astronauts currently enjoy on the ISS. …
Do you have issues growing plants? Many people struggle to even keep a houseplant alive, let alone a whole garden. Countless books have been written on how to care for everything from sunflowers to trees, and one major assumption is that plants will be raised on earth. There are no instructional books on growing plants …
