Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies (CROPS)

The lobia (black-eyed pea) seeds that the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) sent to space on December 30 as a part of its Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies (CROPS) germinated last week.

• About: Compact Research Module (CROPS) acts like a mini greenhouse, with a soil-like medium, lobia seeds, controlled water, sunlight-simulating LEDs, and Earth-like air, all in microgravity.
• Soil Medium: Highly porous clay pellets with water-activated slow-release fertilizer to nourish the plants.
• Lighting: LED lights, programmed to simulate day and night, help with photosynthesis, with 16 hours of light and 8 hours of darkness.

• Temperature and Atmosphere: The module maintains a controlled temperature range of 20-30°C and Earth-like atmospheric conditions.
• Watering Mechanism: Injected into the soil-like medium using an electric valve operated remotely from Earth.
• Seed Germination: Lobia seeds sprouted within four days of the experiment, with two leaves visible the following day.
• Methods of Growing Plants in Space: Hydroponics, Aeroponics, Soil-like Medium.
• Challenges in Growing Plants in Space: Microgravity Issues, Radiation Exposure, Temperature Fluctuations, Light Availability.