Passive/Active Imaging Spectroscopy tools for in vivo detection of Plant Transformation Events and M

OKSI is joining with Wisconsin Center for Space Automation & Robotics (WCSAR), a NASA co-sponsored Commercial Space Center, to develop and demonstrate a technology for the automation of plant health monitoring for the creation of bio-mass and regenerative environments in space and for future greenhouses in space, on moon or Mars. In the short range this technology will support ongoing space and Earth bound (i) plant growth research by enabling automated monitoring of plant health and the detection and identification of stress causes, and (ii)automated transgenic crop development research. The technology will allow commercial screening of gene transfer events. The instrumentation developed under this program is based on OKSI's experience in imaging spectroscopy, and WCSAR's expertise in plant growth research and gene transfer technology both in space and on Earth. Early space flight tests may be possible in conjunction with the WCSAR plant growth chambers and Commercial Plant Biotechnology Facility.