Search Results

A Nutrient Delivery System (NDS) capable of working in microgravity is an essential component of growing plants in space. A substrate-based NDS is a conventional and mechanically simple way to grow plants in microgravity, especially when a nutrient impregnated substrate is used. A substrate moisture sensor is a key element of the control system needed to successfully grow plants in this type NDS. A heat pulse-type moisture sensor has been developed for use in microgravity that has the advantages of a simple, compact design and a low average power requirement. The heat pulse-type moisture sensor was developed to be used in the “Greenhouse 2” Experiment with the Russian plant growth unit, “Svet.” This experiment is part of the SpaceLab/Mir-1 mission which is being conducted on Mir in 1995 and 1996. The design of the sensor allows installation of the sensors into the Svet root module aboard Mir.