Seed Transport, Storage and Handling System (SEEDSYS)

With Space Station, opportunities for long duration plant experimentation in space, including seed-to-seed multi-generational studies become increasingly available. This will require not just transport of seed to orbit, but means to stow and handle seed. The innovation of the proposed seed transport, storage and handling system (SEEDSYS) is the development and integration of a seed management system with the following capabilities: 1) controlled environment storage of bulk seed or pre-seeded root modules to minimize decreases in viability from environmental factors; 2) tools for pre-germination treatments (seed priming); 3) tools for cleaning and planting seed harvested on-orbit; 4) a container system for allowing reliable transport of seed in diverse carriers; and 5) capabilities for storage of seeds in a defined gas atmosphere (nitrogen, CO2). Innovative design integrates this suite of tools for effective function in microgravity and to accommodate a wide range of potential experiments. SEEDSYS would increase science capability for experimenters, reduce crew workloads, and reduce launch and landing mass of plant growth systems. Project tasks will include developing conceptual designs of SEEDSYS components, defining requirements for the efficient integration of the components, and performing a preliminary system level safety analysis.