Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies (CROPS)

• 18 Jan 2025

Source: IE 

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully germinated Lobia (black-eyed pea) seeds in space as part of its Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies (CROPS). 

• CROPS Module: CROPS is an experimental module developed by ISRO to study plant growth in space under microgravity.  
  • It functions as a mini greenhouse with controlled air, temperature, simulated sunlight (LEDs), and an Earth-operated water delivery system. 
• Methods Involved: 
  • Hydroponics: Plants grow using nutrient-rich water instead of soil. 
  • Aeroponics: No soil, plants grow in air with misted nutrients, reducing water and fertilizer usage. 
  • Soil-like Medium: ISRO used porous clay with slow-release fertilizer for controlled nutrient delivery. 
• Ideal Space Plants: Ideal space plants include leafy vegetables (lettuce, spinach, kale), beans and peas (for protein and nitrogen fixation), and crops like radishes, carrots, wheat, rice, tomatoes, and strawberries. 
• Significance: It provides a sustainable food source for long-term space missions. 
  • Plants recycle carbon dioxide, improve air quality, and help create a closed-loop life support system. 

Read More: India’s Space Power Revolution