ISRO's Space Experiment with Cowpea Seeds
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has achieved a significant milestone with their latest space experiment involving cowpea seeds.
Experiment Overview
- The experiment was conducted onboard the PSLV-C60 POEM-4 module in microgravity conditions.
- ISRO announced that the cowpea seeds have successfully sprouted and are showing their first leaves.
- This marks an important step in understanding plant growth in space.
Details of the CROPS Payload
- The payload, named CROPS (Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies), was developed by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC).
- It serves as a multi-phase platform to develop and test ISRO's capabilities for sustaining flora in extraterrestrial environments.
- The CROPS module is equipped with active thermal management and monitors various parameters such as:
- Oxygen and carbon dioxide level
- Relative humidity
- Temperature
- Soil moisture
- The module also captures images to track plant growth.
Significance of the Experiment
- The experiment is crucial for understanding how plants adapt to microgravity.
- It aids in developing life support systems capable of producing food and regenerating air and water for astronauts.
Future Plans
- The space agency has announced the postponement of its SpaDeX mission programme docking to January 9.
