Can plants be grown in space?

Scientists from the German Aerospace Center (DLR) have started mounting an advanced greenhouse on the Antarctica which should show whether it is possible to grow plants and produce food in space.

The first seed will be planted in late February, and the first lettuce leaves and radishes should be harvested at the end of March, DLR says.

The greenhouse arrived to the ice continent by boat on January 3.

Special vehicles transported it across 20 kilometers to the Neumayer III station, run by the Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI).

The most important aspect of the project is contained within: vegetables and plants which, as the scientists believe, will be able to grow in this special greenhouse without soil and sunlight.

– Shelving units have to be set up, pumps installed for the nutrient solution, and special LEDs calibrated for optimal lighting. Then, sowing will commence – says Daniel Schubert, EDEN-ISS Project Manager.

This is an EU project, which aims to demonstrate the cultivation of crop plants in deserts, in areas on Earth with low temperatures, as well as for future manned missions to the Moon and Mars.

German Aerospace Center

DLR

Antarctica

growing plants in space

production of food in space

Alfred Wegener Institute

Neumayer III

Daniel Schubert

Eden ISS