Watermeal and Space Nutrition

October 9, 2023

Researchers from Mahidol University in Thailand are exploring the remarkable potential of watermeal, the world’s smallest flowering plant, as a source of nutrition and oxygen for astronauts. Conducted at the European Space Agency’s (ESA) ESTEC technical centre in the Netherlands, this research subjected watermeal to hypergravity conditions using ESA’s Large Diameter Centrifuge (LDC). The findings from this study could hold the key to sustainable agriculture in space and improved nutrition for future astronauts.

Watermeal: The Remarkable Plant

Watermeal, smaller even than its relative duckweed, is a rootless and stemless plant that floats on bodies of water, primarily in Asian countries like Thailand. Its simple structure and rapid growth rate make it an ideal candidate for studying how changing gravity levels affect plant development.

Hypergravity Study at ESA’s LDC

ESA’s Large Diameter Centrifuge (LDC), featuring an 8-meter diameter and four-arm design, allowed scientists to simulate gravity levels up to 20 times that of Earth for extended durations. The unique facility was accessed through HyperGES, a part of the Access to Space for All initiative sponsored by ESA and the United Nations Office of Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA).

Watermeal’s Unique Characteristics

Watermeal’s lack of roots, stems, or leaves means that researchers can directly investigate the impact of gravity shifts on its growth and development. This simplicity makes it an excellent candidate for space-based agricultural studies.

Nutritional Potential

Watermeal is not only an efficient producer of oxygen through photosynthesis but also a rich source of protein. It has long been a part of the Thai diet, prepared in various forms, from soups to salads. Its 100% consumption efficiency makes it a promising candidate for space-based agriculture.

Hypergravity Experimentation

The research team placed watermeal samples in boxes equipped with LEDs that replicate natural sunlight. These boxes were subjected to hypergravity conditions, with the plants spinning at 20 times Earth’s gravity. After two weeks of experimentation, the researchers examined the plants and conducted detailed chemical analyses on solid pellet extracts. This analysis aimed to understand how watermeal responds to hypergravity.

Implications for Sustainable Agriculture in Space

The study of watermeal’s adaptation to different gravity environments holds the potential to revolutionize space agriculture. Insights gained from this research may lead to sustainable agriculture practices in space, ensuring that future astronauts have access to fresh, nutritious food sources and a reliable source of oxygen.

« Previous Post Next Post »