Stockbyte
DCL
One of the downsides to space travel is that the food just isn't the best. From freeze dried ice cream to canned fruit and trail mix, food is processed and fresh fruits and vegetables are difficult to come by in space. But according to NASA Spinoff, Orbital Technologies Corporation is currently working, with NASA assistance to grow salad crops in space. It seems scientifically impossible to grow veggies in space, but the folks over at NASA may have found a way.
According to NASA Spinoff, they've developed a flight-tested version of this gardening device that's been sent to the International Space Station.
Orbital Technologies maintains that gardening is good for the body and soul even while in space. The gardening chamber is about the size of a Space shuttle middeck locker with four growth chambers. Each chamber is controlled for humidity, temperature, water, lighting, and atmospheric composition.
Astronaut Peggy Whitson was thrilled with the greens. "Although it doesn't sound like much, it was really exciting to see something green. I assumed that this was just because I really enjoy plants, but it surprised me that both of my crewmates were just as excited. They wanted photos of themselves with the plants and asked if they could eat some of them, too!"
The initial garden is just for experimental use and not consumption but even still, the prospect is still quite exciting. According to Leland Melvin, an astronaut documented in the book What I Eat: Around the World in 80 Diets by Peter Menzel and Faith D'Aluisio, weightless conditions make for an interesting diet. Each astronaut has a personal food locker to avoid confusion in the weightless conditions. Certain foods have become favorites amongst the crew like peanut butter, because it's easy to eat with one hand. When the crew eats together they share international delicacies like potted calf cheeks from Russia and beef brisket with barbecue sauce and mashed potatoes from the U.S. Maybe some time in the future their meals will include a side of micro greens.
Like this? Follow my Twitter feed.
