NASA is now laying the groundwork for a new research effort that could see the humble Española chili pepper become the first fruiting plant to be grown and harvested in space. NASA is planning to grow a greater variety of crops in space to help keep astronauts fed — and healthy — on longer missions. Foods already grown in space include not only lettuce but also cabbages, radishes, and peas, among others.
To aid the process, NASA developed the Veggie plant-growth facility for use on the ISS. The Veggie kit consists of an expandable unit with a flat-panel light bank that includes red, blue, and green LEDs to foster plant growth in the challenging, microgravity conditions.
Importantly, it’s packed with vitamins and minerals, and is also an excellent source of antioxidants. Oh, and it’s not too hot, either. If preparations run according to plan, the Española chili seeds will be sent to the ISS toward the end of this year or early next.
Source: Digital Trends
Name of Author: Trevor Mogg