Development of Micro-Hydroponic Systems for Space Travel
Faculty Mentor Name
John Pavlina and Peter Merkle
Format Preference
Poster
Abstract
As man ventures farther and farther away from earth, we must become more flexible in the art of survival. One technology which holds vast potential to aid in space exploration is hydroponics. Hydroponics is the process of growing plants by adding nutrients to water, instead of using soil. All of hydroponics’ many advantages culminate to grow plants that will: feed astronauts, aid in the process of producing oxygen, cleaning water, and raising morale. NASA has already started to utilize this technology, and is growing plants and vegetables on the international space station. This project will research the ability to modularize and minimize the size of a hydroponic setup, allowing for ease of expansion, and a decrease in volume. The decrease in volume and weight would decrease cost of transportation and storage, allowing deep space exploration to occur. Efforts will be focused on utilizing technologies such as 3D printing and microcontrollers, to manufacture lightweight custom parts, and introduce automation/computer operations, to increase efficiency.
Poster Presentation
IGNITE GRANT AWARD
Location
AC1-ATRIUM
Start Date
4-8-2016 1:00 PM
End Date
4-8-2016 3:00 PM
Development of Micro-Hydroponic Systems for Space Travel
AC1-ATRIUM
As man ventures farther and farther away from earth, we must become more flexible in the art of survival. One technology which holds vast potential to aid in space exploration is hydroponics. Hydroponics is the process of growing plants by adding nutrients to water, instead of using soil. All of hydroponics’ many advantages culminate to grow plants that will: feed astronauts, aid in the process of producing oxygen, cleaning water, and raising morale. NASA has already started to utilize this technology, and is growing plants and vegetables on the international space station. This project will research the ability to modularize and minimize the size of a hydroponic setup, allowing for ease of expansion, and a decrease in volume. The decrease in volume and weight would decrease cost of transportation and storage, allowing deep space exploration to occur. Efforts will be focused on utilizing technologies such as 3D printing and microcontrollers, to manufacture lightweight custom parts, and introduce automation/computer operations, to increase efficiency.
Poster Presentation
IGNITE GRANT AWARD