Crew 186 GreenHab Reports
POSTED ONJANUARY 13, 2018 Greenhab Report – January 13th GreenHab Report
Mark Gee
13Jan2018
Environmental control:
Heating
Shade cloth on
Ambient with door open
Working Hour: 06:40PM Inside temp at working hour: 16 C Outside temp during working hours: 2 C Inside temperature high: 37 C Inside temperature low: 15 C Inside humidity: 88 %RH
Inside humidity high: 94 %RH Inside humidity low: 16 %RH
Hours of supplemental light:
For the crops 05:00 to 11:59 PM
Changes to crops: Seeds are emerging rapidly.
Daily water usage for crops: 6 gallons
Time(s) of watering for crops: 03:00PM
Research observations: None
Changes to research plants: None
Aquaponics: Not in use.
Narrative: Today was my last day caring for the Greenhab. I feel proud of what I have done. An abundance of thriving plants were left to me and I have not only kept them alive, but brought some to harvest and left the future crews with even more than I was given. It has been fun to water the baby cucumbers knowing that some crew will be enjoying them a month from now.
For the next Greenhab officer, I would recommend starting by taking care of what has been left to you and at the half way point of your rotation seeding a small amount of many crops so that future crew can enjoy a diverse harvest. Below is a table of what is currently growing, actions taken, and notes on what needs to be done in the next two weeks. Everything should be watered every day. There is also an inventory of all supplies available at this time.
Name Quantity Growth Stage Action Notes Dill Weed 2ft row, ~20 plants Vegetative Thinned plants to 1 inch spacing. Can begin harvesting outer leaves for meals. Leave the center of the plants to regrow. Rosemary 2ft row, ~20 plants Seedling, 2 true leafs Slow growing. It will be a long time before this is ready to harvest. Parsley 2ft row, ~50 plants Seedling, true leaf Can thin to 1 inch spacing after Jan 20. Eat plants you pull.
Cilantro 2ft row, ~30 plants Seedling, 3 true leafs Thinned to 1 inch spacing Should let plants establish 10 leaves before beginning harvest. Oregano 2ft row, ~50 plants Seedling, 2 true leafs Can thin to 1 inch spacing after Jan 20. Eat plants you pull. Sage 2ft row, ~10 plants Seedling, 1 true leaf Let grow. Basil 2ft row, ~40 plants Seedling, 1 true leaf Can thin to 1 inch spacing after Jan 20. Eat plants you pull. Thyme 2ft row, ~30 plants Seedling, 3 true leafs Let grow. Chives 2ft row, ~20 plants Seedling, 2 leafs Let grow. Lavender 2ft row Seeds, not emerged If no emergence by Jan 20, plant something else. Spinach, Bloomsdale 3 pots, 16 plants. Seedling, two true leafs. Transplanted 06Jan2018 Let grow. Spinach, Bloomsdale 4ft row Seedling, cotyledon. Planted 06Jan2018
Let grow. Kale, Blue Curled Scotch 5 pots, ~50 plants Seedling, 3 true leafs Transplanted 06Jan2018 Let grow. Cabbage, Golden Acre 1 seedling tray, ~20 plants Seedling, 2 true leafs Need transplanting by Jan 15. Moringa Olifera 14 plots Seeds, no emergence Repurpose pots with Capcom approval. Paperwhites 3 pots, seven plants Various, sprouted to flowering Move to the habitat for your enjoyment. Beans, Pole 27 plants 3ft vines, producing flowers and pods Harvest beans when they reach at least 3 inches and you can feel the beans inside. Cucumber 23 plants, 7 pots 3ft vines, producing flowers and fruit Let grow. Melon 8 plants 2ft vines, no flowers Let grow. Peppers 9 pots, 23 plants 8 inches, vegetative Let grow. Tomatoes 39 pots, 57 plants 6in-48in tall, some flowering Transplanted 05Jan2018 Use cages to support tomato branches. Make sure plants are growing up through the cages. Radish 1 pot, three plants Vegetative, 1ft tall Harvest after Jan 20. Radish sprouts 6 sq ft Seedling, cotyledon. Planted 04Jan2018 Harvest Jan 14. Swiss Chard 1 starter container Seedling, cotyledon. Planted 06Jan2018 Let grow. Thin if needed. Scallions 5 starter containers Seeds, no emergence Planted 06Jan2018 If no emergence by Jan 20, plant something else Onion 8 starter containers Seeds, no emergence Planted 06Jan2018 If no emergence by Jan 20, plant something else Broccoli 1 starter container Seeds, no emergence Planted 06Jan2018 If no emergence by Jan 20, plant something else Carrot 6 starter containers, 4 pots
Seeds, no emergence Planted 06Jan2018 If no emergence by Jan 20, plant something else Lettuce, Romaine 1 starter container, 1 ft row
Seedlings, cotyledon Planted 06Jan2018 Thin to 1 inch spacing after Jan 25. Eat plants you pull. Transplant if needed. Lettuce, Red Leaf 1 starter container, 1 ft row
Seedlings, cotyledon Planted 06Jan2018 Thin to 1 inch spacing after Jan 25. Eat plants you pull. Transplant if needed. Lettuce, Black Seeded Simpson 2 starter containers, 1 ft row
Seedlings, cotyledon Planted 06Jan2018 Thin to 1 inch spacing after Jan 25. Eat plants you pull. Transplant if needed. Lettuce, sprouts misc. 2 sq ft Seedlings, cotyledon Planted 06Jan2018 Harvest as microgreens after Jan 25. Save a few plants and grow to maturity. Lettuce, Bibb 1 sq ft Seedlings, cotyledon Planted 06Jan2018 Harvest as microgreens after Jan 25. Save a few plants and grow to maturity. Mustard 1 pot Seedlings, cotyledon Planted 06Jan2018 Harvest as microgreens after Jan 25. Save a few plants and grow to maturity. Quinoa, Red Sprouting 2 sq ft Seeds, no emergence Threw away. These seeds did not grow and were thrown away. Zennia …
POSTED ONJANUARY 12, 2018 Greenhab Report – January 12th GreenHab Report
Mark Gee
12Jan2018
Environmental control:
Cooling with vent
Heating
Shade cloth on
Working Hour: 07:40PM Inside temp at working hour: 19 C Outside temp during working hours: 2 C Inside temperature high: 31 C Inside temperature low: 16 C Inside humidity: 33 %RH
Inside humidity high: 49 %RH Inside humidity low: 25 %RH
Hours of supplemental light:
For the crops 05:00 to 11:59 PM
Changes to crops: Harvested radish microgreens, lettuce, green beans, dill, and cilantro.
Daily water usage for crops: 22 gallons
Time(s) of watering for crops: 03:30PM
Research observations: Harvested microgreen experiment and for each treatment measured mass harvested, volume harvested, and size of plants.
Changes to research plants: Microgreen experiment is complete.
Aquaponics: Not in use.
Narrative: Today was harvest day! For the crops we harvested 580g of radish microgreens, a bowl of lettuce leaves, a fistfull of greenbeans, a handful of dill, and a sprinkle of cilantro. The other crops are growing well and should produce a bountiful harvest for crews to follow.
The microgreen experiment was harvested and has concluded successfully. It is too early for results, but keep an eye out for the upcoming report.
I have been making an effort to characterize the Greenhab and will be synthesizing my observations into a cohesive document. As a sneak peak, the figure tracking the temperature and humidity in the habitat throughout the day will be included in the Mission Summary as an image.
POSTED ONJANUARY 11, 2018
Greenhab Report – January 11th
GreenHab Report
Mark Gee
11Jan2018
Environmental control:
Heating
Shade cloth on)
Working Hour: 06:30PM Inside temp at working hour: 17 C Outside temp during working hours: 3 C Inside temperature high: 33 C Inside temperature low: 16 C Inside humidity: 39 %RH
Inside humidity high: 41 %RH Inside humidity low: 16 %RH
Hours of supplemental light:
For the crops 05:00 to 11:59 PM
Changes to crops: The tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, herbs, peppers, and melons keep growing. The microgreens have taken off and will be ready to harvest tomorrow. Of the seeds planted, the arugula, mustard, and various lettuce varieties have sprouted.
Daily water usage for crops: 15 gallons
Time(s) of watering for crops: 11:00AM, 06:30PM
Research observations: The microgreens have recovered from the early damage and are sprouting magnificently. Tomorrow they will be harvested.
Changes to research plants: None.
Aquaponics: Not in use.
Narrative: Today I watered the plants as usual and inventoried the tools, fertilizer, pots, and supplies.
The grow lights turned on at 02:00 pm. The analog timer has been gaining time steadily, as do the clocks on the electronic appliances in the Hab. These clocks probably use the frequency of the alternating current power supply to keep time as is common in most appliances. The standard frequency for an electrical grid in the US is 60 Hz, and our crew engineer observed that the generator is supplying power at 60.18 Hz. This increased frequency would cause the clocks to gain time at approximately the rate we are observing. See Sol 1 summary for a further explanation.
To compensate for this gain, the light timer needs to be reset every day.
Support/supplies needed: Scale with a capacity of 2 kg. The analog scale in the Science Dome has a capacity of 610g. Needed for experiments tomorrow.
POSTED ONJANUARY 10, 2018 Greenhab Report – January 10th GreenHab Report
Mark Gee
10Jan2018
Environmental control:
Heating
Shade cloth on
Working Hour: 06:50PM
Inside temp at working hour: 18 C
Outside temp during working hours: 0 C
Inside temperature high: 26 C
Inside temperature low: 15 C
Inside humidity: 46 %RH
Inside humidity high: 60 %RH
Inside humidity low: 34 %RH
Hours of supplemental light:
For the crops 05:00 to 11:59 PM
Changes to crops: Microgreens almost ready to harvest. Spinach is growing rapidly. Cucumbers continue to produce fruit. Beans near harvest. Tomatoes are flowering but no fruit set. Sprouts are emerging from the seeds planted a few days ago.
Daily water usage for crops: 10 gallons
Time(s) of watering for crops: 06:30PM
Research observations: Microgreens are growing rapidly. No change to tomatoes sprayed with moringa extract.
Changes to research plants: None.
Aquaponics: Not in use.
Narrative: Growing up, we learn to fear bees because of their sting, then to like them because of their honey. But we should treasure them for their work as pollinators. Bees and other insects perform the critical task of transferring pollen from flower to flower. Without this transfer by insect, many crops would not produce fruit because their pollen will not blow in the wind. Some crops, namely the Cucurbitacea family of pumpkins, melons, squash and cucumbers, have co-evolved with their own species of bees that specialize in pollinating these crops. Almond farmers will actually pay beekeepers to bring their bees into the almond orchard while the trees are flowering to help ensure that there will be a bountiful harvest.
Unfortunately, there are no bees on Mars.
To make up for this, I put on my bee suit in the Green Hab today, plucked a male flower from a cucumber plant, and buzzed from cucumber to cucumber, sprinkling pollen in the flower as I went. It took effort and patience.
There are many natural resources that we do not appreciate until they are gone. Surviving on a new planet will be challenging and full of surprising realizations of how much we are missing back on Earth.
Support/supplies needed: I have several questions of general interest.
Is the water supply from Hanksville drawn out of a well, river, or something else?
What are the heater control settings? What temperature is it set to turn on and what temperature for off?
What is to be done with used potting soil?
Is the shade cloth a 60/40 cloth? Is there a better way to describe how much shade it gives?
POSTED ONJANUARY 9, 2018 Greenhab Report – January 9th GreenHab Report Mark Gee 09Jan2018
Environmental control: Heating Shade cloth on
Working Hour: 06:15PM Inside temp at working hour: 18 C Outside temp during working hours: UNK Inside temperature high: 24 C Inside temperature low: 16 C Inside humidity: 40 %RH Inside humidity high: 48 %RH Inside humidity low: 28 %RH
Hours of supplemental light: For the crops 05:00 to 11:59 PM
Changes to crops: Quinoa seeds did not germinate and rotted in the tray. Threw them away. The past days have been very cold and cloudy. Nothing has germinated yet.
Daily water usage for crops: 6.5 gallons
Time(s) of watering for crops: 10:00AM, 06:15PM
Research observations: Microgreens seem to be growing much better in the shady environment. Maybe the full sunlight was scorching them.
Changes to research plants: Applied fertilizer to microgreens.
Aquaponics: Not in use.
Narrative: Watering needs to be as efficient as possible in a Martian habitat. But after I finish watering, I often look around and see a water on the floor. Some of the water comes directly from accidental spilling becase the spout of the watering can holds water and drips when turned upright. This waste could be eliminated with a differently designed spout or by using something crazy like a giant syringe so that no water is relesed unintentionally.
Most of the leakage comes from water that is poured into the pot and flows quickly through macropores in the soil and out the pot before there is time to soak in. This is a tricky problem to solve. The macropores are a beneficial part of soil structure and should not be removed by compacting the soil. If I water less so that less water flows through the pores, the plants might not get enough water.
We are currently trying to reduce this waste by growing plants on vertical shelving so that the plants below can catch the water leaked by the plants above. But this is not a perfect system. Another option is to install trays beneath every plant so that the leakage can be captured and recycled. It is uncertain how much labor this method would require and how much of the water would evaporate before it could be reused. A third way to reduce this waste would be to use drip irrigation tape that continually releases water into the soil at a slow rate. This would increase water use efficiency and also reduce the labor requirements for the astronauts. However, an adjustable drip tape would have to be invented so the same tape could be used with different crops. And it may not be feasible to rocket yards and yards of drip tape to Mars.
For now, I will stick with my watering can.
Support/supplies needed: None
POSTED ONJANUARY 8, 2018 Greenhab Report – January 8th GreenHab Report Mark Gee 08Jan2018
Environmental control: Heating
Shade cloth on
Working Hour: 05:45PM Inside temp at working hour: 18 C Outside temp during working hours: 0 C Inside temperature high: 25 C Inside temperature low: No Data Inside humidity: 35 %RH Inside humidity high: 61 %RH Inside humidity low: 23 %RH
Hours of supplemental light: For the crops 05:00 to 11:59 PM
Changes to crops: Kale plants are developing true leaves. The sky has been very cloudy and the plants used very little moisture today.
Daily water usage for crops: 4 gallons
Time(s) of watering for crops: 09:30AM, 04:00PM
Research observations: For the moringa experiment, the plants sprayed with moringa extract seem to be taller. The microgreens are not growing well. I will fertilize them tomorrow.
Changes to research plants: None.
Aquaponics: Not in use.
Narrative: Today I served as the communications officer for the EVA and did not spend much time in the Green Hab.
Support/supplies needed: None.
POSTED ONJANUARY 7, 2018 GreenHab Report – January 7th GreenHab Report Mark Gee 07Jan2018
Environmental control: Cooling with vent open
Heating
Shade cloth on
Working Hour: 05:45PM Inside temp at working hour: 18 C Outside temp during working hours: 2 C Inside temperature high: 31 C Inside temperature low: 15 C Inside humidity: 24 %RH Inside humidity high: 36 %RH Inside humidity low: 16 %RH
Hours of supplemental light: For the crops 05:00 to 11:59 PM
Changes to crops: Radish sprouts are growing quickly. Spinach survived transplanting.
Daily water usage for crops: 8 gallons
Time(s) of watering for crops: 09:30AM, 05:00PM
Research observations: The microgreens seem to have poor emergence relative to the microgreens in the crop section of the Greenhab. This could be attributed to the better environment in the crop section or the surface sterilization treatment the research seeds received.
Changes to research plants: None
Aquaponics: Not in use
Narrative: Not much happened today. The plants are slow and take time to grow. The old Green Hab used to have a “Zen Garden” to help crew members relax, but the current crop production system seems to be serving a similar purpose. Justin, the crew journalist, stopped by to enjoy the plants, warm air, and humidity. There is something about being surrounded by green that is reassuring, and the flowers on the crops are especially beautiful because they hold the promise of treasure not yet tasted.
Support/supplies needed: None.
POSTED ONJANUARY 6, 2018 Greenhab Report – January 6th GreenHab Report
Mark Gee
06Jan2018
Environmental control:
Heating
Shade cloth on
Working Hour: 05:40 PM Inside temp at working hour: 20 C Outside temp during working hours: -3 C Inside temperature high: 22 C Inside temperature low: 15 C Inside humidity: 25 %RH
Inside humidity high: 32 %RH Inside humidity low: 16 %RH
Hours of supplemental light:
For the crops 05:00 to 11:59 PM
Changes to crops: There have been two cloudy days in a row, so the crops did not require much water. Used all of the remaining tomato cages to support the larger tomato plants. Seeded several crops. Used the old seed to see what will grow. If there is no germination, newer seed packs will be used.
Below is an updated inventory of all of the crops, quantity, growth stage, actions taken, and notes.
Name
Quantity
Growth Stage
Action
Notes
Dill Weed
2ft row, ~40 plants
Seedling, 5 true leaves
Quick growing. Needs thinning.
Rosemary
2ft row, ~20 plants
Seedling, 1 true leaf
Slow growing.
Parsley
2ft row, ~50 plants
Seedling, 1 true leaf
Moderate growth. Needs thinning.
Cilantro
2ft row, ~40 plants
Seedling, 2 true leafs
Moderate growth
Oregano
2ft row, ~100 plants
Seedling, cotyledon
Spaced seedlings.
Slow growth.
Sage
2ft row, ~10 plants
Seedling, 1 true leaf
Moderate growth.
Basil
2ft row, ~40 plants
Seedling, 1 true leaf
Moderate growth. Needs thinning.
Thyme
2ft row, ~30 plants
Seedling, 2 true leafs
Slow growth.
Chives
2ft row, ~20 plants
Seedling, 1 leaf
Slow growth
Lavender
2ft row
Seeds, not emerged
Seeded plants.
Previous planting did not grow.
Spinach, Bloomsdale
3 pots, 16 plants.
Seedling, one true leaf.
Transplanted 06Jan2018
Spinach, Bloomsdale
4ft row
Seeds, not emerged
Planted
06Jan2018
Kale, Blue Curled Scotch
5 pots, ~50 plants
Seedling, one true leaf
Transplanted 06Jan2018
Cabbage, Golden Acre
1 seedling tray, ~20 plants
Seedlings, cotyledons
Need transplanting
Moringa Olifera
14 plots
Seeds, no emergence
These are trees. Should they be grown in the small Greenhab?
Paperwhites
3 pots, seven plants
Various, sprouted to flowering
Smell fragrant
Beans, Pole
27 plants
3ft vines, producing flowers and pods
Harvest at end of rotation.
Cucumber
23 plants, 7 pots
3ft vines, producing flowers and fruit
Melon
8 plants
2ft vines, no flowers
Slow growth.
Peppers
9 pots, 23 plants
8 inches, vegetative
Slow growth
Tomatoes
39 pots, 57 plants
6in-48in tall, some flowering
Transplanted 05Jan2018
Do we need this many tomato plants?
Radish
1 pot, three plants
Vegetative, 1ft tall
Radish sprouts
6 sq ft
Seedling, cotyledons
Planted 04Jan2018
Seedlings should be harvested around 17Jan2018.
Swiss Chard
1 starter container
Seeds, no emergence
Planted 06Jan2018
Scallions
5 starter containers
Seeds, no emergence
Planted 06Jan2018
Onion
8 starter containers
Seeds, no emergence
Planted 06Jan2018
Broccoli
1 starter container
Seeds, no emergence
Planted 06Jan2018
Carrot
6 starter containers,
4 pots
Seeds, no emergence
Planted 06Jan2018
Lettuce, Romaine
1 starter container,
1 ft row
Seeds, no emergence
Planted 06Jan2018
Lettuce, Red Leaf
1 starter container,
1 ft row
Seeds, no emergence
Planted 06Jan2018
Lettuce, Black Seeded Simpson
2 starter containers,
1 ft row
Seeds, no emergence
Planted 06Jan2018
Lettuce, sprouts misc.
2 sq ft
Seeds, no emergence
Planted 06Jan2018
Lettuce, Bibb
1 sq ft
Seeds, no emergence
Planted 06Jan2018
Mustard
1 pot
Seeds, no emergence
Planted 06Jan2018
Quinoa, Red Sprouting
2 sq ft
Seeds, no emergence
Planted 06Jan2018
Zennia
1 pot
Seeds, no emergence
Planted 06Jan2018
Arugula
2 starter containers,
2 ft row
Seeds, no emergence
Planted 04Jan2018
Daily water usage for crops: 5 gallons
Time(s) of watering for crops: 05:30PM
Research observations: Sprayed moringa experiment with moringa extract as directed. Microgreen sprouts are growing well.
Changes to research plants: None.
Aquaponics: Not in use.
Narrative: The larger tomato plants were starting to lean over, so I used all of the cages available to support as many plants as possible. The rest of the tomatoes will need cages soon, as will the vining cucumbers. The cucumber plants have already started climbing the shade cloth and lighting cables in their quest to take over.
To maximize the efficiency of the Green Hab, it is important to select crops that are suited to greenhouse production and to space out plantings of crops to ensure steady yields. For future Green Hab officers, I would recommend against planting things like melons that can require up to 75 sq ft per plant and have a 10 ft long tap root that is not easily accommodated in a pot. The 50+ tomato plants seem to have been planted at the same time, which means that they will start yielding at the same time. Hopefully the crew on rotation can freeze some tomato sauce for future crews to use.
To bring more crop variety to the Green Hab, I planted carrots, onions, broccoli, scallion, three varieties of lettuce, Swiss chard, arugula, quinoa, and mustard. These were the seeds available, but many are also fast growing crops that have high yields in a greenhouse environment. I used the oldest seed packets, and will replant with newer seed if nothing grows. If future officers continue plantings every two weeks, then there should be a bountiful and regular harvest for every crew.
Support/supplies needed: 50 more tomato cages will be needed to support all of the tomatoes and cucumbers currently growing in the greenhouse. All of the cages we have are in use.
POSTED ONJANUARY 5, 2018 Greenhab Report – January 5th GreenHab Report
Mark Gee
05Jan2018
Environmental control:
Heating
Shade Cloth On
Working Hour: 06:30 PM Inside temp at working hour: 16 C Outside temp during working hours: -4 C Inside temperature high: 29 C Inside temperature low: 14 C Inside humidity: 30 %RH
Inside humidity high: 32 %RH Inside humidity low: 16 %RH
Hours of supplemental light:
For the crops 05:00 to 11:59 PM
Changes to crops: Transplanted tomatos are growing well. Kale sprouts have grown their first leaves. Cucumbers are flowering profusely and baby cucs abound. Watered all crops with MiracleGrow at a concentration of 1tsp/gal as recommended by the supplier. Next fertilization date is 19Jan2018.
Daily water usage for crops: 8 gallons
Time(s) of watering for crops: 06:30 PM
Research observations: Moringa experiment is growing well. Microgreens have radicles and cotyledons that are turning green.
Changes to research plants: I accidentally watered two of the tomato plants with the MiracleGrow, so I moved these plants into normal crop production.
Aquaponics: Not Functional
Narrative: Clouds obscured the sun all day and kept the Green Hab at a moderate temperature. I was on an EVA all day and did not have much time to spend inside. Tomorrow I will be seeding several vegetables for future crews to enjoy.
Support/supplies needed: None
POSTED ONJANUARY 4, 2018 GreenHab Report – January 4th Mark Gee
04Jan2018
Environmental control:
Cooling with fan, open door and vent
Heating
Shade cloth on crops
Working Hour: 06:00 PM Inside temp at working hour: 17 C Outside temp during working hours: -2 C Inside temperature high: 34 C Inside temperature low: 13 C Inside humidity: 30 %RH Inside humidity high: 31 %RH Inside humidity low: 16 %RH
Hours of supplemental light:
For the crops 05:00 to 11:59 PM
Changes to crops: Transplanted 20 tomato plants into large, individual pots. They will need cages soon. Cold air from the fan was blowing directly across the beans and causing them to shrivel. We built a baffle out of cardboard to redirect the cold air towards the ceiling, which creates better airflow and protects the plants. I have made space and plan to plant lettuce, carrots, kale, and sprouts.
Daily water usage for crops: 15 gallons
Time(s) of watering for crops: 09:30AM, 05:30 PM
Research observations: Microgreens sprouting in all trials. Moringa experiments still growing.
Changes to research plants: None.
Aquaponics: Not in use.
Narrative: Most of my time with the plants was spent transplanting tomatos becaus I’ve inherited over 50 tomato plants, previously planted four to a pot. It seems like someone got a tad excited when planting, but we have room for now.
My fellow crew members asked for a tour of the Green Hab, so I walked them through what we have growing, what is near harvest, how the environmental controls work, and what research projects are going on. Melanie especially liked the baby cucumbers which smaller than her fingernail. I told them about the challenges with environmental control and how the cold air from the fan was damaging the beans. Max came up with a clever idea for a baffle that directs the cold air upwards which creates better airflow and protects the plants.
The first two days after seeding an experiment I’m always worried that the plants won’t grow because the surface bleach seeped in and killed them, or there was too much water, or not enough water, or the temperature was wrong, or something else. I spend the next 48 hours checking in on my plants way too often and wondering if the lifeless brown spheres will unfold into leaves, roots, and data that can be published. Fortunately, the time of waiting is over. The seeds took their time, but now every single tray of microgreens planted has an abundance of sprouts that are growing with gusto.
Support/supplies needed: None
POSTED ONJANUARY 3, 2018 Greenhab Report – January 3rd GreenHab Report
Mark Gee
03Jan2018
Environmental control: Heating, Cooling with fan and vent, open door.
Measurement Hour: 06:20 PM
Inside temp at measurement hour: 16 C
Outside temp during measurement hour: -2 C
Inside temperature high: 32 C
Inside temperature low: 14 C
Inside humidity: 21 %RH
Inside humidity high: 30 %RH
Inside humidity low: 16 %RH
Hours of supplemental light:
For the crops 05:00 to 11:59 PM
Changes to crops: Heat stress in several plants due to temperature extremes. Extra water was given to these plants. A small moth was flying in the habitat.
Daily water usage for crops: 7 gallons
Time(s) of watering for crops: 10:30AM, 06:30PM
Research observations: The microgreen seeds have been covered with plastic wrap and well watered to keep the moisture in. They are beginning to germinate and some have opened their cotyledons. No greening is observed. Brown stains, possibly algea, are forming on the capillary mats of the soil-free trials. Temperature extremes were recorded and may have a negative impact on plant growth.
Moringa seeds have not sprouted. The tomatoes watered with moringa extract are growing well.
Changes to research plants: None.
Aquaponics: Not set up.
Narrative: The sun was shining bright and cheerful all day long. You might think this would be a good thing for plants growing in a greenhouse, but you would be wrong. After helping send off the EVA crew in the morning, I walked to the Green Hab and found several cucumber, tomato, and bean plants wilting. The strong sunlight caused the environment to heat to 32C (90F) which is a stressful temperature for potted plants with limited water. I immediately watered the plants that needed moisture and tried to find a way to release some heat. The outside temperature was near freezing, but opening the door did not release enough heat to keep up with the greenhouse effect. I turned on the fan to the maximum setting, but the cold air blew in so quickly that the plants near the fan reacted poorly. At the lowest setting, the air circulation was not enough to cool the far end of the habitat. I spent some hours adjusting the fan, door, and vent while moving the thermometer around the greenhouse to try and find a way to keep the whole habitat at a reasonable temperature. This was even more challenging because only one half of the building is covered by a shade cloth. Covering or uncovering the entire habitat would make thermal control much easier. What seemed to work best for now was setting the fan on low, opening the vent on the far end of the greenhouse, and keeping the door closed. This kept the temperature near 25 C throughout the habitat. Adjustments will be needed as the outside temperatures change. The increased air circulation means the crops will use more water, but thirsty crops are better than no crops.
Support/supplies needed: Shade cloth for the second half of the Green Hab. Do we need to do something for insect control? What is the threshold for action?
POSTED ONJANUARY 2, 2018 GreenHab Report – January 2nd Crew 186 Green Hab Report 02Jan2018
GreenHab Report
Mark Gee
02Jan2018
Environmental control:
Heating for entire Greenhab
Shade cloth on the crops
Working Hour: 06:00PM Inside temp at working hour: 16 C Outside temp during working hours: 0 C Inside temperature high: 35 C Inside temperature low: 15 C Inside humidity: 26 %RH
Inside humidity high: 35 %RH Inside humidity low: 16 %RH
Hours of supplemental light:
For the crops 07:00-08:00AM, 05:00 – 11:59PM
Changes to crops: Three flats of radish microgreens have been planted.
Daily water usage for crops: 8.5 gallons
Time(s) of watering for crops: 09:00AM, 04:30PM
Moring research observations: The Greenhab Officer from Crew 185 left an experiment comparing the growth of tomato plants with and without a foliar application of moringa extract. Both treatments are growing well.
Changes to research plants:
Space exploration is a great challenge and the next step of the journey is to send a person to Mars. Plants will play a critical role because of their ability to generate oxygen, water, and fresh food. In the near future, generating fresh food will be the most important role for plants because abiotic means of providing oxygen and water are very effective.
Microgreens provide a quick and efficient way to produce fresh food in space because they can be harvested in 10 days and can potentially grow without soil. I am comparing how well microgreens grow in potting soil, pulverized clay, and on a cloth with no growth medium to investigate if soil-free microgreen production is feasible in simulated Mars greenhouse habitat.
As well, plants depend on the microbes present in their environment to help them grow. As far as we know, no bacteria exist on Mars, and future Mars explorations will attempt to remain as sterile as possible to avoid contaminating the planet. The one source of microbes that will be intentionally transported are the microbes stored in the guts of the astronauts.
How well will microgreens grow when removed from the context of their native microbiome? If the microgreens are colonized by microbes from the astronauts, will there be an additional effect on plant growth?
To help answer these questions about the plant microbiome I am growing radish microgreens in a sterilized, soil-free environment and comparing treatments that have been inocculated with greywater from the hab, inocculated with native soil bacteria, and innoculated with sterile water.
In total, 15 flats of radish microgreens have been planted for the experiments above.
Aquaponics: Not Functional
Narrative: Last night I was working late in the Green Hab to prepare the microgreen experiment. At about 9pm the lights shut off unexpectedly which was concerning because there have been so many problems with the generator. Fortunately, it was only the analog timer that had malfunctioned and I was able to quickly reset it to get the lights back on.
This morning, the microgreen experiment was set up with the help of our Commander Max.
The Arduino temperature/humidity logger died yesterday after 28 hours of recording data. This means I only have to swap the batteries once a day. The difference between the logged data and readouts from the gauge used by previous crews was reasonably small.
A rocket ship landed mid-afternoon and deposited several bags of potting soil and perlite outside the habitat. Thank you to the pilot.
Support/supplies needed: None
POSTED ONJANUARY 1, 2018
Greenhab Report – January 1st
GreenHab Report
Mark Gee
01Jan2018
Environmental control: Heating with shade cloth on
Working Hour: 05:50 PM Inside temp at working hour: 17 C Outside temp during working hours: 6 C Inside temperature high: 28 C Inside temperature low: 15 C Inside humidity: 42 %RH
Inside humidity high: 48 %RH Inside humidity low: 25 %RH
Hours of supplemental light:
17:00 to 24:00
Changes to crops: Below is a formatted inventory of all of the crops, quantity, growth stage, actions taken, and notes. The table is also attached incase it is not visible here.
Name
Quantity
Growth Stage
Action
Notes
Dill Weed
2ft row, ~40 plants
Seedling, 3 true leaves
Rosemary
2ft row, ~20 plants
Seedling, 1 true leaf
Parsley
2ft row, ~50 plants
Seedling, cotyledon
Cilantro
2ft row, ~40 plants
Seedling, 1 true leaf
Oregano
2ft row, ~100 plants
Seedling, cotyledon
Sage
2ft row, ~10 plants
Seedling, 1 true leaf
Basil
2ft row, ~40 plants
Seedling, 1 true leaf
Thyme
2ft row, ~30 plants
Seedling, 1 true leaf
Chives
2ft row, ~20 plants
Seedling, 1 leaf
Spinach, Bloomsdale
2 seedling trays, 10 plants
Seedling, cotyledons
Need transplanting
Kale, Blue Curled Scotch
1 seedling tray, 2 pots, ~50 plants
Seedling, cotyledons
Need thinning
Cabbage, Golden Acre
1 seedling tray, ~20 plants
Seedlings, cotyledons
Need thinning
Moringa Olifera
14 plots
No plants
These are trees. Should they be grown in the small Greenhab?
Paperwhites
3 pots, seven plants
Various, sprouted to flowering
Moved flowering plants to the habitat to improve morale
Beans, Pole
27 plants
3ft vines, producing flowers and pods
Harvest in 1 week
Melon
8 plants
2ft vines, no flowers
Peppers
9 pots, 23 plants
8 inches, vegetative
Tomatoes
24 pots, 54 plants
6in-48in tall, some flowering
Need transplanting
Daily water usage for crops: 8 gallons
Time(s) of watering for crops: 05:50
Research observations: None
Changes to research plants: None.
Aquaponics: Not Functional
Narrative:
The crew entered simulation at noon. We will have to adjust to the isolation from society, cramped quarters, and space supplies. I’m hoping to make this transition easier with the produce from the Green Hab. Several of the crops are nearing harvest and I hope to cook a meal with fresh food later in the rotation to boost crew morale. For dinner, I brought some of the blooming paperwhites to the table.
I cleaned the greenhouse and packed the aquaponics equipment to make room for the microgreen experiment and have been sterilizing the soil, growing surfaces, and water.
Support/supplies needed: 3 agar plates to check seed sterilization procedures
POSTED ONDECEMBER 31, 2017 Green Hab Report – December 31st GreenHab Report
Mark Gee
31Dec2017
Environmental control:
Heating
Shade cloth on West half of the Green Hab
Working Hour: 10:40 Inside temp at working hour: 18 C Outside temp during working hours: -2.5 C Inside temperature high: 19 C Inside temperature low: 14 C Inside humidity: 30 %RH
Inside humidity high: 30 %RH Inside humidity low: 21 %RH
Hours of supplemental light: 17:00 to 24:00
Changes to crops: Beans nearing harvest. Cucumbers recovered from wilting. Nothing died and nothing was planted.
Daily water usage for crops: 6 gallons
Time(s) of watering for crops: 10:40 and 18:00
Morning research observations: Moringa experiment watered and plants look normal.
Changes to research plants: None.
Aquaponics: Not Functional
Narrative: The handoff from Crew 184 went very well yesterday. Thank you to the Green Hab Officer David for walking me through the experiments.
Today I watered the crops whenever there was a break in crew training. The beans and radishes are near harvest. There are +20 tomato, +10 cucumber, and various other plants in intermediate growth stages.
I’ve built a device to log temperature and humidity continuously throughout the day using an Arduino, DHT11 sensor, and an SD card shield. The device has been running all day and will continue to record through the night to determine the maximum battery life.
Tomorrow I will create a complete inventory of the crops and current experiments. As well, I will prepare the East half of the Green Hab for my experiments with microgreens.
Support/supplies needed: Potting soil needed.
Happy New Year!
Mark Gee, Green Hab Officer, Crew 186
