ISRO Successfully Grows First Black-eyed Pea Sprouts in Space

ISRO has successfully germinated black-eyed pea (lobia) seeds in space using its Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies (CROPS). This milestone highlights the possibility of cultivating sustainable food sources for extended space missions.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has reached a major milestone in space agriculture by successfully germinating black-eyed pea (lobia) seeds in space using its Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies (CROPS). This achievement highlights the potential for growing sustainable food sources during long-duration space missions, crucial for addressing the nutritional and psychological needs of astronauts on extended flights.

Key Highlights

ISRO’s CROPS Initiative

Objective: To study plant growth in space and replicate Earth-like conditions, excluding gravity.

CROPS-1 Mission

Demonstrated the successful germination and initial growth of plants in a spacecraft’s controlled environment.
The module is designed as a mini greenhouse, featuring soil-like media and Earth-like atmospheric conditions.

Challenges in Space Agriculture

Microgravity: Roots face difficulty growing downward, and water clings to surfaces rather than reaching the roots.
Radiation: High levels can damage plant DNA and impede growth.
Temperature Fluctuations: Extreme variations can negatively affect plant development.
Light Conditions: Limited sunlight hampers photosynthesis, especially for deep-space missions.

Methods of Cultivation in Space

Hydroponics: Provides nutrients via liquid solutions.
Aeroponics: Delivers nutrients through mist, reducing water and fertilizer usage.
Soil-like Media: Mimics Earth’s soil to provide a familiar growth environment.

Technical Details of CROPS-1

The mini greenhouse used porous clay pellets as the soil medium.
Atmospheric Controls: Earth-like temperature (20-30°C) and light cycles (16-hour day/8-hour night).
Water Delivery: Precise moisture regulation via an electric valve.

Germination Process

Initiation: Water was injected into the medium after launch.
Growth Monitoring: Sensors tracked CO₂ and O₂ levels.
Results: Seeds sprouted on the 4th day, with two leaves emerging by day 5.

Ideal Plants for Space Cultivation

Leafy Greens: Lettuce, spinach – quick-growing and nutrient-dense.
Legumes: Beans, peas – protein-rich and nitrogen-fixing.
Root Vegetables: Radishes, carrots – suited for compact spaces.
Grains: Wheat, rice – vital for long-term sustenance.

Future Prospects

Plans to extend the growth stages beyond the two-leaf phase.
Development of active control systems for sustainable plant growth.
Integration of space-grown plants into closed-loop life support systems for space missions.