UAE astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi spends weekend farming in space
In August 2015, red romaine lettuce became the first vegetable to be grown in space, proving to be a tastier alternative to the packaged space food astronauts have to eat.
By Sarwat Nasir
The National News
Aug 22, 2023
Excerpt:
UAE astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi spent some of his penultimate weekend farming in space when he harvested leaves from the plant nursery aboard the orbiting outpost.
Astronauts on the International Space Station grow different kinds of fruits and vegetables, which are then harvested and sent back to scientists on the ground for testing.
Dr Al Neyadi, 42, posted a video of the Advanced Plant Habitat nursery on social media on Monday.
“This is the designated area where numerous fruits and vegetables undergo testing and cultivation,” he said.
“Today, I’ve gathered a handful of leaves to serve as test samples for examination once sent to Earth.
“The scientists back on our home planet will analyse these samples to understand how microgravity affects plant growth.”
The Advanced Plant Habitat has a lighting system that changes intensity so the plants stay healthy.
There are also cameras placed in the chamber that help scientists monitor the plants.
“Experiencing the act of planting here serves as a pleasant reminder of nature while we exist in the unique environment of space,” said Dr Al Neyadi.
The astronaut harvested tomatoes on the space station in April, which were sent back to Earth for research.
