Table 1 Comparison of key parameters for plant cultivation for ESA Biolab (http://wsn.spaceflight.esa.int/docs/Factsheets/8%20Biolab%20LR.pdf), NASA VEGGIE88, and NASA APH86,88.
From: Perspectives for plant biology in space and analogue environments
Parameter | BIOLAB (ESA) | VEGGIE (NASA) | APH (NASA) |
|---|---|---|---|
Growth area and volume | 1. 6 cm × 6 cm × 10 cm 2. 10.8 cm × 15 cm × 13.7 cm | 1. 47 cm × 1300 cm2 2. 41.9 cm × 1300 cm2 | 1. 45 cm × 1708 cm2 |
Light provision | White adjustable 1.7–11.1 W/m2 PAR, Infra-Red | 100–500 μmol m−2 s−1 Red, Blue, Green | 0–1000 μmol m−2 s−1 White, Red, Blue, Green, Far-red |
Temperature range | 18–40 °C | ISS cabin equivalent | 18–30 °C |
Humidity control | Yes | No | Yes |
Gas regulation | Yes | No | Yes |
Trace gas removal | Yes | No | Yes |
Centrifuges (fractional gravity) | 2 | No | No |
Experiment positions | 4–6 containers | 1 container | 4 root modules |
Growth substrate/root support | Experiment dependent | Pillows with growth substrate, controlled-release fertiliser and seeds Water reservoir | 2 moisture sensors O2 sensor Water/nutrient delivery system |
Observation | Images (top view) Video | ISS camera used by crew | 2 colour cameras (top and side view) Infrared camera |
