Space vegetables is not a dream LED lights simulate photosynthesis

According to reports from the tadpole stave, no production circulation system, we cannot in space long life.

The garden on the earth may not be a rule, a mess, but in space, we always need a vegetable like a good machine running. That's why researchers at the Purdue University are using LED light to produce delicious crops scientifically.

Gary Mitchell, a professor of horticulture at Purdue University, said in a statement: "everything on earth is ultimately photosynthesis by sunlight". "The problem we face is how to replicate in space, with limited energy to produce their own light source, targeted LED lighting is the best choice. "

We have known for a long time that the amount of light used to increase the lighting of a light emitting diode (LED) is much lower than that of conventional high pressure sodium lamps. But if we can figure out exactly what proportion of the visible spectrum can make the plants happy to absorb, we can further reduce the energy consumption of space gardens in theory. As far as lettuce is concerned, at least the magic bullet seems to be a red and blue light on the roof of the 95:5. A new scientific study by Mitchell found that this special blend of light uses 50% less energy than the traditional light bulb, with a total energy saving of about LED of the province of the Lantern Festival, which saves about 90% of energy.

When it comes to sending humans to Mars, we need to be a little bit more serious, so the technology of planting plants outside the earth must be perfect. If we want to build on the red planet in a self-sustaining colony, or take astronauts to deep space mission, we need not only to feed the garden space but also can create independent settlers, sustainable ecosystem recycling of carbon dioxide, oxygen and water. NASA has recognized this need and will focus on the "renewable food system" in a recent research development bill.

But life in space is not the same as life on earth. There, we take it for granted that all resources, including the sun and the air, are very precious and non renewable. Space farmers face enormous challenges, such as the traditional means of using 600-1000 watt bulbs to simulate sunlight in a closed environment and stimulate plant growth. Conventional lighting can also produce excess heat, which is likely to cause the plants to dehydrate or scorch if they are not careful.

Lucy, a researcher, said, "lighting accounts for about 90% of energy demand, and if you plant plants with a traditional light, you need a nuclear reactor to feed up to four people. "

Marijuana growers and future space farmers have found that only the LED light is the best choice to emit visible light. Plants throw away most of the energy of the sun, which makes plants absorb red and blue light in all colors. The researchers found that lettuce fed with a little blue light and a large amount of red light had the highest yield and reduced energy consumption by ten times.

Mitchell research group has a lot of work to do, such as how to study the whole life cycle of the plant in a timely manner to increase or decrease light. Once the optimal process of green leafy vegetables is illuminated, the scientists will begin to study more plant light, such as tomatoes and corn.

Now, there may be only a vacuum packed food on the menu of the universe, but when you start to go to Europa for a maiden voyage, it might sound common to order a fresh salad.

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