Deployable Vegetable Production System (VEGGIE)

ORBITEC proposes to develop a deployable facility called the Vegetable Production System (VEGGIE) to produce vegetable (salad) crops to supplement prepackaged foods during long stays in space. The innovation of the VEGGIE is in providing, within a single middeck locker, a plant growing facility with a growing area of 0.5 m2 to 1.0m2, a light source sufficiently intense for crop production, a compressible nutrient and water delivery system, and a semi-passive atmospheric control system that minimizes water use without limiting gas exchange. The system would be deployed using supports composed of telescoping beams, inflatable beams, or tension rods. To minimize complexity, VEGGIE would utilize the cabin environment for temperature control and as a source of CO2. The primary goals are to provide the crew with a palatable, nutritious and safe source of fresh food and to provide the crew with a tool for relaxation and recreation. VEGGIE could be used on the ISS as well as for planetary transit missions. Project objectives are to develop mechanisms to transition the VEGGIE from a small stowed configuration to a large growing area configuration, to develop a stowable lighting system and a compressible root zone, and to evaluate crop growth in the system.