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On-Orbit and Ground Performance of the PGBA Plant Growth FacilityPGBA, a plant growth facility developed for commercial space biotechnology research, successfully grew a total of 30 plants (6 species) for 10 days on board the Space Shuttle Endeavour (STS-77) and is scheduled for reflight on board MSL-1 (STS-83) for a 16 day flight. The PGBA life support systems provide atmospheric, thermal, and humidity control as well as lighting and nutrient supply in a 23.6 liter chamber. Atmosphere treatment includes ethylene and other hydrocarbon removal, CO2 replenishment, and O2 control. The normally closed system uses controlled CO2 replenishment from the crew cabin as required by the plants. Temperature is controlled (1 C) at user-specified setpoints between 20-32 C, using water-filled coolant loops, solid state Peltier thermoelectric devices, and liquid heat exchangers. The thermoelectric cooling systems were optimized for low power consumption and high cooling efficiencies. Relative humidity is maintained between 60-100% using a cooled porous metal plate to remove water vapor from the air stream without cooling the bulk air below the dew point. The lighting system utilizes three compact fluorescent bi-axial lights with variable lighting control and light intensity (PAR) between 220 and 330 micromol/sq m/s at a distance of 20 cm in spaceflight configuration (on orbit power limited to 230 Watt for entire payload). A ground, up to 550 micromol/sq m/s light intensity can be achieved with 330 Watt payload power consumption. Plant water and nutrient support is sustained via the 'Nutrient Pack' system including the passive or active 'Water Replenishable Nutrient Pack.' The root matrix material (soil or Agar) and nutrient formulation of each pack is prepared according to plant species and experimental requirements. These systems were designed by NASA Ames personnel. Data acquisition and control systems provide 32 channels of environmental data as well as digitized or analog video signals for downlink.
Document ID
20020048711
Acquisition Source
Ames Research Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Hoehn, A.
(BioServe Space Technologies Boulder, CO United States)
Chamberlain, D. J.
(BioServe Space Technologies Boulder, CO United States)
Forsyth, S. W.
(BioServe Space Technologies Boulder, CO United States)
Hanna, D. S.
(BioServe Space Technologies Boulder, CO United States)
Scovazzo, P.
(BioServe Space Technologies Boulder, CO United States)
Stodieck, L. S.
(BioServe Space Technologies Boulder, CO United States)
Heyenga, G.
(National Academy of Sciences - National Research Council Moffett Field, CA United States)
Kliss, Mark
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA United States)
Date Acquired
August 20, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1997
Subject Category
Life Sciences (General)
Meeting Information
Meeting: International Conference on Environmental Systems
Location: Lake Tahoe, CA
Country: United States
Start Date: July 14, 1997
End Date: July 17, 1997
Funding Number(s)
PROJECT: RTOP 199-61-01
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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