A number of chilli seeds have reached the hands of astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS). Chillies are immediately grown in a zero gravity environment.
Chili seeds are shipped via the SpaceX cargo ship. The United States Space Agency (NASA) wants to experiment with other types of agriculture. The goal is to provide food for humanity’s long -term mission to Mars.
NASA says planting chilies in space is part of the Plant Habitat-04 experiment, as quoted from Space, Sunday (18/7/2021).
This is not the first time astronauts have played the role of ‘space farmers. Previously, lettuce and carrots were recorded to be successful in cultivation and harvesting even when done in space.
In contrast to lettuce and carrots, chili is arguably quite complex to grow, plus its harvest time is longer than the previous two types of crops.
"This is one of the most complex plant experiments on the ISS to date, due to the long germination and growth times," said Plant Habitat-04 Principal Investigator Matt Romeyn.
If the cultivation of chillies is successfully done in space, then this will be a good signal for humans. Because, astronauts who are in the environment of microgravity, with the intake of spicy foods will help encourage them to eat a varied menu.
In addition, the chili -flavored ‘space’ was also sent back to Earth for further analysis.
"The food that astronauts eat should be the same as their other equipment. To successfully send people to Mars and bring them back to Earth, we need not only the most nutritious food, but also the most delicious taste," said the Plant Project Science Team Leader. Habitat-04., LaShelle Spencer.
Tags
SCIENCES
