XROOTS

Spaceflight Research Tool

Jessica Watkins examines XROOTS on the ISS
Astronaut Jessica Watkins examines XROOTS on the ISS in June 2022 | Image Credit: NASA
  • Full Name: eXposed Root On-Orbit Test System
  • A.K.A: XROOTS
  • Affiliation: NASA, Sierra Space
  • Country: United States
  • Focus Areas: Aeroponics and Hydroponics
  • Type: Spaceflight
  • Spacecraft: International Space Station
  • In Service: 2022 – Present
  • Predecessor: Veggie (Add-On)
  • Project Lead: 
      • John Wetzel, Sierra Space
  • Accolades: 
      • First exposed root aeroponic/hydroponic growth system
  • Key Features:
      • Hydroponic/Aeroponic Capabilities
      • Integrated with Veggie system (replaced the existing baseplate)

Summary

The eXposed Roots On-Orbit Test System (XROOTS) is an investigative hardware that uses hydroponic and aeroponic techniques to grow plants in space without soil or growth media.  

The investigation aims to explore hydroponics and aeroponics as an alternative to particulate-media-based water and nutrient delivery systems. 

XROOTS
XROOTS Hardware | Image Credit: NASA/Sierra Space

References