NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
Light-emitting diodes as an illumination source for plants: a review of research at Kennedy Space CenterThe provision of sufficient light is a fundamental requirement to support long-term plant growth in space. Several types of electric lamps have been tested to provide radiant energy for plants in this regard, including fluorescent, high-pressure sodium, and metal halide lamps. These lamps vary in terms of spectral quality, which can result in differences in plant growth and morphology. Current lighting research for space-based plant culture is focused on innovative lighting technologies that demonstrate high electrical efficiency and reduced mass and volume. Among the lighting technologies considered for space are light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The combination of red and blue LEDs has proven to be an effective lighting source for several crops, yet the appearance of plants under red and blue lighting is purplish gray, making visual assessment of plant health difficult. Additional green light would make the plant leaves appear green and normal, similar to a natural setting under white light, and may also offer psychological benefits for the crew. The addition of 24% green light (500-600 nm) to red and blue LEDs enhanced the growth of lettuce plants compared with plants grown under cool white fluorescent lamps. Coincidentally, these plants grown under additional green light would have the additional aesthetic appeal of a green appearance.
Document ID
20050164205
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Kim, Hyeon-Hye
(NASA Kennedy Space Center Cocoa Beach, FL United States)
Wheeler, Raymond M.
Sager, John C.
Yorio, Neil C.
Goins, Gregory D.
Date Acquired
August 23, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2005
Publication Information
Publication: Habitation (Elmsford, N.Y.)
Volume: 10
Issue: 2
ISSN: 1542-9660
Subject Category
Life Sciences (General)
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
NASA Discipline Life Support Systems
Non-NASA Center
NASA Center KSC
Review, Tutorial
Review
NASA Program Advanced Life Support

Available Downloads

There are no available downloads for this record.
No Preview Available