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Optimization of moisture content for wheat seedling germination in a cellulose acetate medium for a space flight experimentThe Porous Tube Plant Nutrient Delivery System (PTPNDS), a hydrophilic, microporous ceramic tube hydroponic system designed for microgravity, will be tested in a middeck locker of the Space Shuttle. The flight experiment will focus on hardware operation and assess its ability to support seed germination and early seedling growth in microgravity. The water controlling system of the PTPNDS hardware has been successfully tested during the parabolic flight of the KC-135. One challenge to the development of the space flight experiment was to devise a method of holding seeds to the cylindrical porous tube. The seed-holder must provide water and air to the seed, absorb water from the porous tube, withstand sterilization, provide a clear path for shoots and roots to emerge, and be composed of flight qualified materials. In preparation for the flight experiment, a wheat seed-holder has been designed that utilizes a cellulose acetate plug to facilitate imbibition and to hold the wheat seeds in contact with the porous tube in the correct orientation during the vibration of launch and the microgravity environment of orbit. Germination and growth studies with wheat at a range of temperatures showed that optimal moisture was 78% (by weight) in the cellulose acetate seed holders. These and other design considerations are discussed.
Document ID
20040089947
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Johnson, C. F.
(NASA Kennedy Space Center Cocoa Beach FL United States)
Dreschel, T. W.
Brown, C. S.
Wheeler, R. M.
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1996
Publication Information
Publication: Advances in space research : the official journal of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR)
Volume: 18
Issue: 4-5
Subject Category
Man/System Technology And Life Support
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
NASA Discipline Number 61-20
NASA Center KSC
NASA Program CELSS
NASA Discipline Life Support Systems

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