Astronauts grow first plant to flower on international space station

[roarke]

 

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According to a NASA press release, the Veggie plant growth facility was installed on the orbiting lab in May 2014. The first test crop was red romaine lettuce.

“We lost two plants due to drought stress in the first grow out and thus were very vigilant with respect to the second crop,” said Trent Smith, Veggie project manager.

Unfortunately for the zinnias, zero gravity proved itself to be a tough medium for flowers. Some of the plants died as a result of over saturation with water and mold growth.

When fans were used to help keep the plants dry, they proved so strong that the zinnias dried out.

Eventually, though, space got its first flower.

“While the plants haven’t grown perfectly,” Dr. Gioia Massa said, “I think we have gained a lot from this, and we are learning both more about plants and fluids and also how better to operate between ground and station. Regardless of final flowering outcome we will have gained a lot.”

 

http://news.yahoo.com/astronauts-grow-first-flower-ever-165849727.html