[Development of a prototype of space vegetable-cultivating facility for ground-based experiments].
OBJECTIVE
To develop a ground-based experimental prototype of space vegetable-cultivating facility (GEPSVF), so as to solve the main key techniques related to higher plant cultivation in space environmental conditions, and to further lay a foundation for future development and application of the prototype of space vegetable-growing facility.


METHODS
Based on detailed demonstration and design of technique plan, the blueprint design and machining of components, whole facility installment, debugging, trial operations and verification experiments were done.


RESULTS
The parameters in the growing chamber such as temperature, relative humidity, wind velocity, total pressure, O2 partial pressure, CO2 partial pressure and water content of the growing media were totally and effectively controlled; the light source was electronic fluorescent lamp; the average vegetable-producing output reached 60 g (fresh weight) d-1.


CONCLUSIONS
The prototype could operate stably; its actual performance indexes achieved the expected ones basically; some of its operating principles can adapt to space microgravity condition. Therefore, the prototype is a good beginning for future development of space vegetable-producing facilities.
Guo
Shuang-sheng
SS
Institute of Space Medico-Engineering, Beijing, China. gss@tom.com
Liu
Xiang-yang
XY
Han
Li-jun
LJ
Zhu
Jing-tao
JT
Wang
Xiao-xia
XX
Wei
Min
M
Ai
Wei-dang
WD
Yang
Jing-song
JS
Tang
Yong-kang
YK
D001274:Atmospheric Pressure; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D018504:Ecological Systems, Closed; D004867:Equipment Design; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005160:Facility Design and Construction; D006813:Humidity; D018527:Hydroponics / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D018545:Lactuca; D008021:Life Support Systems / Q000295:instrumentation; D010100:Oxygen; D010313:Partial Pressure; D013026:Space Flight / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013696:Temperature; D014867:Water; D014893:Weightlessness; D014919:Wind
D014867:Water; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D010100:Oxygen