2007-05-22 15:47:59 · 14 answers · asked by Giggly Giraffe 7 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Why don't plants grow in the space shuttles in space?
2007-05-22 15:54:28 · update #1
Gravity seems to be important in root development and upward growth in many plants. Gravity can be simulated however.
2007-05-22 18:46:10 · answer #1 · answered by screaming monk 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They wont grow in the vacuum of space because the cells of the planet cant survive without a pressurized atmostphere, CO2 for breathing, and protection from space radiation, in addition to light for energy - if not in the present of the sun or other light source.
But onboard a shuttle, ship, or space station, they grow just fine. In fact, without gravity, they generally grow bigger - have you ever heard of a 'space tomato', they are huge!!!
2007-05-22 20:59:24 · answer #2 · answered by Simon H 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They do. A private group in Oracle, Arizona, is doing an unsettling piece of work. They're trying to learn how to live in outer space or on other planets. They're building something called Biosphere-2, and they're practically rewriting Genesis to do it.
Think what it means to fly clear of Earth. We leave so much behind -- lakes and skies, insects and weather. We leave all the ancient balances Earth has forged to sustain life.
Engineers at NASA face the same problem. But they attack it piece by piece. They've learned to grow plants in zero-g. They have ways to make waste into manure. Yet they've flown only what we call open systems. Astronauts carry their own food and water -- then use it up. They dump urine overboard. They freeze-dry their solid waste. NASA is leaving Earth only bit by bit. Her sallies into space are still close-coupled to home
2007-05-22 15:57:17 · answer #3 · answered by myspace.com/truemonge 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yeah they do. but why would astronauts bring plants in the space shuttle to take up room. they have plants in the space station though.
2007-05-22 16:44:39 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are right, plants grow away from gravity and towards light. Without gravity, the seeds will likely not know which way to start growing, and most likely die. I suppose seeds could get lucky and grow the right way. If you already have a plant, the gravity will not matter as much as light does,so it will grow towards light.
2016-05-20 07:04:35 · answer #5 · answered by michelle 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Plants do grow in space! They are growing plants on the International Space Station as we speak. Check out these links:
http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/images/station/crew-6/html/iss006e45076.html
http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/images/station/crew-6/inflight/ndxpage18.html
http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2004/25feb_greenhouses.htm
http://science.nasa.gov/ppod/y2003/24apr_greengenerations.htm
2007-05-22 16:05:53 · answer #6 · answered by kris 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because there isn't enough oxygen in space, and plants need oxygen to grow!
2007-05-22 16:32:04 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Plants need water and oxygen to grow.
2007-05-22 15:51:49 · answer #8 · answered by harryb 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not to mention that the temperature of space is rather cold, near absolute zero.. the temperature at which molecules cease movement in general.
2007-05-22 15:53:07 · answer #9 · answered by Bongo 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They do grow in space!! There's a mini-greenhouse on the ISS right now!
2007-05-22 15:52:57 · answer #10 · answered by Kenneth H 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋