Samples from the Seedling Growth investigation aboard the International Space Station help researchers study the impact of the microgravity environment on plant growth. Credit: NASA <\/p>\n
Published: Nov. 27, 2012 at 5:08 PM<\/p>\n
GREENBELT, Md., Nov. 27 (UPI) -- NASA says it is conducting plant research aboard the International Space Station because life in space may depend on it during future long-duration missions. <\/p>\n
Using plants to provide a food source and to recycle carbon dioxide into breathable oxygen may prove critical for astronauts who will live in space for months at a time, the space agency said in a release Tuesday. <\/p>\n
Several plant-growing experiments have been conducted to help scientists understand the impact of zero gravity conditions on plant growth, NASA said. <\/p>\n
Plants can provide a sense of well-being, scientists said, noting that at the McMurdo Station for research in Antarctica -- a site that in the dead of winter mirrors the space station in its isolation, cramped quarters, and hostile environment -- the most sought after section of the habitat is the greenhouse. <\/p>\n
Both NASA and the European Space Agency have conducted plant research on the ISS, with several future experiments planned. <\/p>\n
One aim of the experiments, scientists said, is to identify specific plants that are better able to withstand long duration spaceflight and microgravity conditions. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
The rest is here: <\/p>\n
Gardening could help long space missions<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Samples from the Seedling Growth investigation aboard the International Space Station help researchers study the impact of the microgravity environment on plant growth. Continue reading