GROWTH OF THE GRAPEVINES IN THE CONTROLLED GREEHOUSE ENVIRONMENT AND PROSPECTS OF THE SPACE AGRICULTURE

Thus far, suitable life-support conditions on space flights and on the space stations have
been maintained solely via physical and chemical
means. However, for long-duration missions to distant
destinations, such as Moon Base or exploratory missions to Mars, biological life support systems (BLSSs)
may be needed to ensure sustainable functioning of the
living environment, food supply and water purification. As on Earth, this conversion process would need
to be based on photosynthesis [1]. Here we review
preliminary data from the experiments of the grapevine growth within artificial ecosystem of Ltd. SpaceFarms Greenhouse, with particular attention to their
suitability for the use in harsh Lunar and Martian
conditions, i.e. low temperatures, low atmospheric
pressure, high CO2 concentration, high UV radiation
and dryness.