Space to Ground (23 May 2025)

NASA's SpaceX 32nd commercial resupply mission launched from Florida to the International Space Station, carrying approximately 6,700 pounds of cargo. The Dragon spacecraft will soon complete its latest mission when it undocks from the space station before splashing down off the west coast of California. One of the investigations returning on cargo Dragon is called rhodium usophonite, which explores how plants can grow without relying solely on photosynthesis. Researchers are testing how plants respond when provided with nutrition from an external source instead of relying solely on photosynthesis. Using genetically modified dwarf tomatoes, researchers are supplying acetate, a supplemental nutrient in place of carbon dioxide, in place of carbon dioxide. Pre-flight testing shows that this approach could quadruple plant yields even when photosynthesis is limited. The experiment will compare how these tomatoes grow in space under low light conditions versus on Earth. Scientists will also study how this new method affects development and gene expression. The results could pave the way for more reliable food production during long-duration space missions and have important applications on earth, especially for indoor farming in cities and regions affected by climate change. As we look ahead to future space voyages, scientists are studying alternative protein sources created from microalgae, such as ice cream. These organisms produce proteins with essential amino acids, beneficial fatty acids, B vitamins, iron, and fiber. Learning more about microalgae growth and protein production in space could provide a food source on future space voyages and have benefits for humans on Earth, including the production of alternative dairy and meat products, biofuels, biomaterials, and bioactive compounds. Read More

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• Jun 2025