AstroPlant greenhouse design

AstroPlant greenhouse design. ESA is teaming up with enthusiasts to build a desktop greenhouse for people to grow plants at home and in classrooms as potential crops in space. 

AstroPlant is a citizen science initiative that aims to inspire home-gardeners, schools, urban farmers and enthusiasts to nourish seeds selected by the MELiSSA team. Data recorded via a smartphone app will be sent to ESA for processing.

A ‘hackathon’ in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, saw 40 people from all over Europe gather and brainstorm a prototype in April. Three groups focused on the hardware, the user interface and business development.