Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #32630: The Salad Saga Continues: Latest Findings on Growing Greens in Space

The “Pick-and-eat Salad-crop” experiment has now spanned multiple ISS expeditions, evolving with each cycle. During Expeditions 67, 68, and 69, researchers deepened their understanding of space agriculture, focusing on reliability, repeatability, and system optimization.

Led by Dr. Gioia Massa, this phase tested different lighting regimens, nutrient delivery systems, and plant varieties—including those with faster growth cycles and higher nutritional density. Red and blue LED light ratios were tweaked to boost plant productivity. The team also experimented with microbial shielding to prevent contamination.

One standout achievement was the introduction of a mini-greenhouse setup using updated Veggie hardware, resulting in improved water retention and root health. Crewmembers reported better texture and taste, and the crops maintained high levels of vitamin K and antioxidants.

This multi-expedition phase illustrates how small iterative changes can lead to big advances in life-support systems for long-duration missions.

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