In addition to its numerous instruments, the rover, which landed on the far side of the Moon, was carrying an important science experiment. Biological test payload (BEP) for the next eight days, this payload conducted a major experiment in which it tried Grow the first plants on the moon.
Freight included Cotton, potato, Arabidopsis and rapeseed seeds, fly eggs, yeast and 18 ml of waterIt was maintained at a constant atmospheric pressure.
The results of this experiment will help design future bioregenerative life support systems (BLSS), which will be Essential for habitats and missions beyond low Earth orbit (LEO).
A group of Chinese scientists have published a study examining the experiment, its results and its findings Possible implications for future work To the Moon, Mars and other places in deep space.
According to its results, the experiment showed that Plants can grow on the moon despite the intense radiation, low gravity, and prolonged bright light..
The results of their analysis were shared Two articles were published On June 20 Microgravity Science and Technology and on October 17 Space threadrespectively.
Plants in space
Growing plants on the Moon, Mars and space habitats is essential for many reasons. As well as providing a source of nutrition and reducing the need to refuel on journeys, they remove carbon dioxide, provide fresh oxygen, help recycle waste and contribute to the well-being of the workforce.
Conventional environmental control and life support systems (ECLSS) are based on mechanical components that will eventually break down and need to be replaced, A bioregenerative system can replenish itself over time.
It does BLSS technology is suitable for deep space missions, refueling opportunities will be limited. Over the years, astronauts have conducted experiments on the International Space Station (ISS) related to the growth of plants and algae Vegetable production system He Passive orbital nutrient delivery system (PONDS), L Habitat Improved plant habitat (APH), and Plant Habitat Avionics Real-Time Manager (PHARM).
“The need to use in situ resources for oxygen and food production is critical and the first step in establishing the basis for survival, so experiments to grow plants in an environment outside of Earth are very important.”. – Xie Gengxin, professor of environmental engineering at Chongqing University and lead designer of BEP.
However, this is still unknown How will it affect the natural environment? The activity of extraterrestrial bodies is BLSS.
Test results
Total time taken to conduct the test Nine days, instead of the planned hundred. But, like Xie, Valuable information was obtained. “Although our plants can grow under natural conditions of sunlight and radiation on the Moon, Its safety has not been evaluated.
More research is needed to know if they are healthy or not (…) Our first biological experiments on the moon for humanity A regenerative ecosystem could be created on the moon to establish a human base” said Chee.
Future tasks and objectives
Within two years, NASA plans to put astronauts on the moon for the first time since Apollo. China hopes to send the first tyconauts to the moon’s south pole by 2030.
The long-term objectives of these and other organizations – such as ESA, Roscosmos and the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) – are no less ambitious. Establishing a permanent human outpost on the Moon It allows for research, exploration, international cooperation and deep space missions.
A key aspect of this program is the use of local resources to meet workforce needs. One of the best ways to ensure a constant supply of food, breathable air and health (physical and mental) to the workforce Create greenhouses and habitats where plant trials can be held.
In short, astronauts They must bring elements of Earth’s biosphere to live, work and thrive in extraterrestrial environments.. The lessons of this research will pave the way for what follows.
