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.