NASA’s Advanced Plant Habitat (APH) program is a research initiative designed to develop and optimize plant growth systems for use in space. The APH program aims to enhance the understanding of plant biology in microgravity conditions, and to provide advanced cultivation technologies to support long-duration human missions beyond Earth’s orbit.
The APH features a closed-loop, environmentally controlled plant growth chamber that allows scientists to precisely manipulate temperature, humidity, light intensity, and other environmental factors. This enables them to study how plants respond to various conditions and adapt to the challenges of microgravity.
The program plays a crucial role in addressing the need for sustainable food production and life support systems during deep space exploration. By growing plants in space, astronauts can benefit from the oxygen, clean water, and fresh food that the plants produce, which helps reduce the dependence on Earth-based resupply missions. Additionally, plants can contribute to the psychological well-being of astronauts, providing a sense of familiarity and connection to Earth.
NASA has used the APH aboard the International Space Station (ISS) to conduct experiments with a variety of plant species, including lettuce, wheat, and zinnia. The findings from these studies will inform future space agriculture practices and provide valuable insights into plant biology and growth under unique environmental conditions.