Stars, comets and…UL Lafayette? You bet. The common thread – they’re all in space. If that sounds far out, consider this. University researchers have sent radish seeds to the International Space Station to study optimal methods for growing vegetables in altered gravity. The efforts are key to NASA’s goal of putting scientists on Mars.
But human habitation of the Red Planet would require self-sufficiency beyond the know-how to cultivate fresh produce. Space colonies would be essential. The University’s on board for that mission, too. It’s developing a biorefinery system that would create potable water, convert carbon dioxide to oxygen and generate electricity.
Space, indeed, is a familiar frontier. Student researchers have designed and built four small, solar-powered satellites that orbit Earth on scientific investigations. Students say the projects are a blast. But, as with other University space research, assisting NASA exploration and technology development is the end goal.
