Garden Training for Future Astronauts

Author: Sarah Pounders

After donning their space suits, a 5th-grade "astronaut commander" leads a crew of three kindergarten through second grade "astronaut trainees" into a shuttle simulator, blast into space, dock with the space station, and travel through the airlock into the space station simulator. Says Planetarium Resource Educator Dr. Stephen Schiff, "Once inside the International Space Station model, this young crew will work on different missions, including growing vegetables using a hydroponics gardening system."

Although they will never leave the Poinciana Elementary School building in Boynton Beach, Florida, their imaginations will soar beyond the Earth into the great frontier of space. "My students will learn how to apply the knowledge that each has learned to solve the ‘real-world’ problems that astronauts face on every mission," says Dr. Schiff. "By working on the activities I've planned, a new generation of astronauts-to-be will begin their training. They’ll focus on the fact that the exploration of space by humans is the ultimate great adventure and one that they can participate in.” Dr. Schiff emphasizes that the hydroponics lab is an integral part of the simulator, where astronaut trainees will attempt to grow vegetables in much the same manner as the astronauts aboard the International Space Station do.

Extended space travel, such as a journey to Mars or space station forays, depends on access to a renewable food source. Scientists are diligently working to find new and efficient ways to grow plants in extraterrestrial environments. To overcome the challenges of limited growing area, scarce water supplies, and low-light conditions, space farmers are turning towards hydroponic growing systems for inspiration and direction.

Hydroponics uses special techniques to grow plants without soil. Nutrient solution is used to supply all the necessary nutrients. Despite its dependence on water, it can be far more efficient than growing plants in soil – some growers report that they can produce 6 times the yield in 1/3 the space using about 1/20th the water needed for traditional soil culture! A smaller area with higher production provides optimal use of limited space. Plus, without soil and more efficient use of water, there’s less weight to carry — another important factor for space travel.

Poinciana Elementary School received its hydroponic system through the Hooked on Hydronponics Award. The Grow Store and the Progressive Gardening Trade Association join NGA to offer these grants to expand unique learning opportunities for students. Click here to view the list of the 14 winning programs for 2006. (In 2007, 24 grants will be awarded.)

Another 2006 winning program, Key Peninsula Middle School in Lakebay, Washington, is also using their new hydroponics system to explore a Mars colony garden. Teacher Karen Borders says that their Space Settlement Hydronponics Project allows students to investigate the efficiency of hydroponics in food production, along with the effects of light from the blue end of the spectrum on plant growth versus the effects of adding light from the red end of the spectrum.

As one of 50 NASA Explorer Schools, Key Peninsula will be partnering with NASA scientists who are also actively investigating the development of new agricultural processes, giving students the opportunity to play a unique role in a "real-world challenge." They’ll prepare for the project by conducting a literature review, interviewing local nurseries, and hosting guest speakers from the Washington Space Science Network. They’ll also take part in a videoconference with NASA scientists and engineers who focus on the planning of space settlements.

Dr. Schiff explains that, “Although the probability of one of these students traveling to space is low, one of the goals of these programs is to foster the next generation of scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs." By providing students with a solid foundation of knowledge, engaging their creativity, and fueling their desire to explore and achieve, the likelihood of advancements in space technology and exploration increase. Perhaps the job of “space farmer” is not as futuristic as it first sounds!