Aboard the International Space Station (ISS), astronauts cultivate vegetables in a dedicated growth chamber, conducting vital experiments to identify plants ideal for space farming. Recently, 'space radishes' returned to Earth via SpaceX, making way for a new crop of chili peppers.
NASA has long studied plant growth in space aboard the ISS. Astronauts have successfully grown rice, wheat, and cabbage. In late 2020, astronaut Kate Rubins harvested about 20 radishes, which were preserved cold and returned to Earth in May 2021 aboard SpaceX's 22nd resupply mission.
Radishes stand out as an excellent candidate: they mature in under a month, pack nutrition, and share genetic similarities with Arabidopsis, a model plant for microgravity research.
As reported by Space.com on July 16, 2021, SpaceX's latest mission delivered seeds for peppers in space. Astronaut Shane Kimbrough planted them in place of the radishes. In coming months, ISS crew will sample the harvest before analyzing the rest on Earth. Pepper cultivation poses challenges due to their extended germination and growth cycles. Experts selected the NuMex "Española Improved" variety from New Mexico for optimal results.
Peppers offer high vitamin C and nutrient levels, crucial for astronauts who experience dulled senses of smell and taste in microgravity. Their vibrant colors boost crew morale, while the experiment evaluates flavor and Scoville heat units.
Astronauts rely on the Advanced Plant Habitat (APH), a fully automated growth system. Equipped with multi-spectrum LEDs, automated watering, cameras, and 180 sensors, it allows remote adjustments from Kennedy Space Center—controlling temperature, humidity, and oxygen to minimize crew maintenance.
Parallel Earth-based experiments enable direct comparisons to pinpoint microgravity's effects. This research addresses a key challenge for long-duration missions to Mars or the Moon: sustainable food production in space.
