Our World: Systems to Grow Plants in Space

No matter where plants grow, they have the same basic needs: water, nutrients, light, temperature, and atmosphere. No matter where humans may live, they need plants. Dr. Gioia Massa explains how NASA grows plants on the International Space Station in preparation for growing plants beyond Earth and, someday, on the Moon and Mars. Jacob Torres describes the hardware needed to provide open and closed systems for plant growth in space. This video shows how NASA scientists and engineers work together to learn more about ways plants live, grow, and adapt to live in varying environments.

Published on: January 30, 2023

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Background Information

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Activities

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Keywords

Our World, Growing Food Beyond Earth, elementary, science, technology, mathematics, education video, NASA, eClips, NIA, Earth, plants, environment, water, nutrients, light, temperature, atmosphere, oxygen, photosynthesis, carbohydrates, proteins, fiber, fuel, building materials, medicines, astronauts, International Space Station, ISS, habitat, growth chambers, substrate, baked clay chips, lunar regolith, moon dirt, Mars regolith, Mars dirt, pollinators, fruit, flowers, controlled environment, humidity, lighting, irrigation, plant growth systems, microgravity, Veggie, open system, closed system, carbon dioxide, astronauts, scientists, engineers, Dr. Gioia Massa, Project Scientist, life science, STEM, Subject Matter Expert, Jacob Torres, Technical & Horticultural Scientist, NASA's Kennedy Space Center