Astronauts embarking on long-duration space missions require sustenance just like they need to breathe. This means that for extended space journeys, they’ll have to bring plants with them. However, not all plants are created equal, and not all can thrive under the harsh conditions of outer space.
A team of researchers has discovered that the tiniest flowering plant on Earth, known as “Watermeal,” might be the key to flourishing on long space missions. This remarkable plant is an abundant source of oxygen and protein.
Is Watermeal Suitable for Space?
Watermeal, with a length of less than one millimeter, is a water plant that floats on water surfaces across Asia, including Thailand. A research team at Mahidol University has tested this minuscule plant and the resilience of watermeal-based powders under extreme conditions, particularly in terms of strong gravitational effects.
Lead researcher Tatpong Toliyananda explains, “Watermeal has no roots, stems, or leaves; it’s essentially a floating water sphere. This allows us to directly focus on how gravity shifts will affect its growth and development.”
If it proves to handle the harsh conditions effectively, Watermeal could find a vital place as a staple for future space missions. It provides an abundance of oxygen through photosynthesis and boasts significant nutritional value, rich in protein, typically served on Earth in soups and salads.
Zero Gravity and Gravitational Forces
To conduct experiments under zero gravity, the team employed “clinostats,” devices that utilize rotation to counteract gravitational forces, thereby simulating microgravity. Early results were promising, as Watermeal appeared to grow well under microgravity conditions at a weight of just 1 gram.
The team also wanted to assess the effectiveness of Watermeal powder under strong gravitational forces. They brought their samples to the European Space Agency’s large-diameter centrifuge. Within the centrifuge, Watermeal plants were isolated until they reached a weight of 20 grams, after which they were left to grow under artificial sunlight. Given that the plant completes its life cycle in 5 to 10 days, only a few weeks of experiments provided the researchers with data on multiple generations of the plant.
The research team plans to examine the plant directly and then convert its extracts into solid granules for in-depth chemical analysis to understand Watermeal’s response to excessive gravitational forces. The team remains optimistic about Watermeal’s suitability for future space missions, emphasizing that you can consume 100% of the plant when you eat it, making it a promising candidate for space agriculture.
Watermeal, the smallest flowering plant on Earth, holds the potential to become a crucial source of sustenance for astronauts on long-duration space missions. Its ability to thrive under various gravitational conditions and its nutritional richness make it a promising addition to future space food options. This research sheds light on the exciting possibilities of space agriculture and the role of Watermeal in sustaining astronauts during their journeys beyond our planet.
