The Indian Space Research Organisation, popularly known as ISRO has achieved a groundbreaking milestone as cowpea seeds germinated in space. The move was successful aboard in the PSLV-C60's POEM-4 platform, marking a significant step toward developing sustainable agricultural practices for long-term space exploration.
ISRO achieves space agriculture milestone
Successful germination aboard POEM-4
The experiment, conducted under the Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies (CROPS), saw eight cowpea seeds germinate in microgravity conditions within four days. Managed by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), this research observed early-stage growth, with leaves expected to emerge soon.
PSLV-C60's contribution to space research
Launched on December 30, the PSLV-C60 carried two SpaDeX satellites and 24 onboard experiments, including CROPS. The rocket's fourth stage, equipped with the POEM-4 platform, orbits Earth at 350 km altitude, facilitating research into plant growth in space environments.
Paving the way for space sustainability
This breakthrough underscores the importance of studying plant behaviour in microgravity for developing regenerative life support systems. Such advancements aim to ensure food and oxygen self-sufficiency during extended space missions, reducing reliance on Earth’s resources.
The successful germination of cowpea seeds aboard PSLV-C60 is a promising step in space agriculture, with further developments expected as the experiment progresses.
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