C. E. Morris

Growing root, tuber and nut crops hydroponically for CELSS☆

Among the crops selected by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for growth in controlled ecological life support systems are four that have subsurface edible parts -- potatoes, sweet potatoes, sugar beets and peanuts. These crops have been produced in open and closed (recirculating), solid media and liquid, hydroponic systems. Fluorescent , fluorescent plus incandescent and high pressure sodium plus metal halide lamps have proven to be effective light sources. Continuous light with 16 degrees C and 28/22 degrees C (day/night) temperatures have produced highest yields for potato and sweet potato, respectively. Dry weight yields of up to 4685, 2541, 1151 and 207 g m-2 for for potatoes, sweet potatoes, sugar beets and peanuts, respectively, have been produced in controlled environment hydroponic systems.

Utilization of sweet potatoes in controlled ecological life support systems (CELSS)

A number of studies have selected the sweet potato as a potentially important crop for CELSS. Most hydroponic studies of sweet potatoes have been short term (<80 days). Full term (90 to 150 days) studies of sweet potatoes in hydroponic systems were needed to understand the physiology of storage root enlargement and to evaluate sweet potato production potential for CELSS. Early and late maturing sweet potato varieties were crown in hydroponic systems of different types--static with periodic replacement, flowing with and without recirculation, aggregate, and non-aggregate. In a flowing system with recirculation designed at Tuskegee University using the nutrient film technique (NFT), storage root yields as high as 1790 g were produced with an edible growth rate of up to 66 g m-2 d-1 and a harvest index as high as 89% under greenhouse conditions. Preliminary experiments indicated high yields can be obtained in controlled environmental chambers. Significant cultivar differences were found in all systems studied. Nutritive composition of storage roots and foliage were similar to field-grown plants. The results indicate great potential for sweet potato in CELSS.

The Spaceflight and Life Sciences Training Program – Developing Human Capital for Space Exploration through Systematic Scholarship

This paper presents the experiential learning framework of the Spaceflight and Life Sciences Training Program (SLSTP). SLSTP is an approach to meeting human capital development needs for the biological and environmental science requirements of advanced space flight. SLSTP provides an intensive six-week participatory exposure to conducting ground-based experiments, understanding how experiments for space are designed and executed, as well as gaining an appreciation of the impact of space launch on the environment. Undergraduate students, including underrepresented groups, are provided guided opportunities to conduct research and participate in developing and or furthering some aspects of the science and technology required for successful human space exploration. SLSTP, as designed, provides the opportunity for developing systematic scholarship. This is accomplished through mentor-guided student research and through the design and management of the boundaries between knowledge and action. Using published literature and pertinent background information in math, technology, engineering and science concepts, trainees conduct research projects that enhance the legitimacy and credibility of the program design. The trainees demonstrate the incorporation of learning acquired through the information and presentations the students produce, while at the Kennedy Space Center and upon return to their home institutions. The program facilitates communication and understanding, across the traditional boundaries of academic disciplines and diverse frames of reference, in the unique learning environment of Kennedy Space Center.