NASA plans to send seeds into space in order to examine the crop growth pattern in outer space.
The infamous NASA space program Artemis 1 which went through a series of bumps before finally being authorised to launch will serve a greater purpose than just space exploration. According to some official reports, NASA will send some crop seeds in Artemis 1 to space to explore plant growth in extreme outer space.
This is an unprecedented move considering that thousands of flora and fauna species are being wiped out on the Earth because of climate change. NASA, If successful can open new doors of opportunity for humans in outer space exploration.
What is Artemis 1?
Also known as “ Mega Moon Rocket”, this moon mission was all about pushing technological boundaries and preparing the path for future lunar explorations. Artemis 1 will orbit around the moon and return back to earth in 33 days. It will get closest to the moon i.e 33 kilometres twice while orbiting according to NASA scientists.
The rocket is fitted with a capsule that can carry 6 astronauts. Yet, this time only 3 dummies and a snoopy stuffed toy will be sent aboard to test the effects of solar radiation, pressures and gravity on the dummies. Moreover, the snoopy toy will serve as a zero gravity indicator, making it easier to checkmark the locations of the rocket.
Moreover, it is worth noting that this experiment will provide valuable data required to adapt the space suits and astronaut training for future lunar explorations.
What is the purpose to send the crop seeds into outer space?
The biggest hurdle in space manned missions is the storage and transport of resources for the survival of the astronauts. In order to facilitate future missions, NASA will send the seeds with elevated levels of the branched-chain amino acids. This will put to test the scientific theory about the adaptation of “space crops” in space flight conditions.
It has been observed that the elevated branched-chain amino acids known as BCAAs disintegrate beyond the Van Allen Radiation Belt. It is widely accepted that BCAAs are crucial for the correct growth of plants and humans alike.
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Though the human body is able to synthesise some amino acids, the essential ones are obtained through our nutrition. Hence, BCAA-rich foods will form an important component of the meals of the crew in future manned space missions.
Therefore, Arabidopsis Thaliana also known as Thale Seeds, which are packed with BCAAs, are chosen to be sent in this mission. Moreover, the size of the Thale seeds is smaller compared to other conventional seeds, making them easier to store and transport.
The Scientific Theories Surrounding The Space Crops
The sciences of plants claim that seedlings contain vast reserves of nutrients that play a pivotal role in the growth of the plant in its early stages. But the researchers fear that when the seeds will be transported to outer space, it might drastically deplete the nutrient reserves, which might hamper plant growth.
This can seriously endanger the lives of the crew aboard. To tackle this problem, the scientists chose Thale Seeds because they can withstand changes in pressure and temperature better than other conventional species. Hence, to confirm their thesis and discover more ways to insulate saplings from outer space in long missions, this experiment was undertaken.
Hitches In The Artemis 1 Mission: NASA
So far, the Artemis 1 mission has been cancelled twice. It is scheduled to be launched finally on 27th September. The earlier launch delays were due to issues with the engine and cooling systems. When the Artemis 1 rocket will re-enter the earth’s atmosphere, it will be the hottest man-made thing to end the earth’s orbit. This will be the true test of the advanced heat-resistant shields of the rocket.
After entering the atmosphere, the rocket will land in the pacific ocean. Hence, considering the importance of the mission, NASA scientists are leaving no stone unturned to make this lunar mission a success. That is why this mission to transport seeds and study them in space has been given an official mission name.
It will be called, “ Life Beyond Earth: Effect of Space Flight on Seeds with Improved Nutritional Value.”
