Historic Milestone for Indian Space Exploration
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has made a remarkable achievement by successfully germinating seeds in the vacuum of space for the very first time. Utilizing cowpea seeds, this innovative experiment took place at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre under the Compact Research module for orbital Plant Studies, a pivotal part of ISRO’s PS4-Orbital Experiment Module launched on December 30.
As India gears up for its planned space station by 2035, the ability to cultivate plants in space holds significant importance. Future interplanetary missions will demand sustainable food sources, making the research into orbital agriculture vital for astronauts’ health and survival during extended voyages. Historically, naval sailors in the 19th and early 20th centuries suffered from illnesses like scurvy due to vitamin deficiencies during long sea journeys, highlighting the need for fresh produce in space.
Although astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) receive regular shipments of freeze-dried meals rich in vitamins, these options may not sustain them adequately on prolonged missions. Research indicates that the nutritional value of pre-packaged foods diminishes over time, affecting crew health.
Global initiatives are underway to cultivate plants in space, ranging from dwarf wheat experiments to various plant growth studies in microgravity environments. As India prepares to send its astronauts aboard the Gaganyaan mission, these advances in agricultural science will arm them with the essential knowledge for future explorations.
India’s Leap Towards Sustainable Space Agriculture: The Future of Interplanetary Food Sources
Historic Milestone for Indian Space Exploration
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by successfully germinating cowpea seeds in the vacuum of space. This pioneering experiment took place at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, utilizing the Compact Research module for orbital Plant Studies, part of ISRO’s PS4-Orbital Experiment Module launched on December 30,
