ISRO's Space Experiment with Cowpea Seeds

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has achieved a significant milestone with their latest space experiment involving cowpea seeds.

Experiment Overview

• The experiment was conducted onboard the PSLV-C60 POEM-4 module in microgravity conditions.
• ISRO announced that the cowpea seeds have successfully sprouted and are showing their first leaves.
• This marks an important step in understanding plant growth in space.

Details of the CROPS Payload

• The payload, named CROPS (Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies), was developed by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC).
• It serves as a multi-phase platform to develop and test ISRO's capabilities for sustaining flora in extraterrestrial environments.
• The CROPS module is equipped with active thermal management and monitors various parameters such as:
  • Oxygen and carbon dioxide level 
  • Relative humidity 
  • Temperature 
  • Soil moisture
• The module also captures images to track plant growth.

Significance of the Experiment

• The experiment is crucial for understanding how plants adapt to microgravity.
• It aids in developing life support systems capable of producing food and regenerating air and water for astronauts.

Future Plans

• The space agency has announced the postponement of its SpaDeX mission programme docking to January 9.