How Astronauts Get Rid Of Boredom By Gardening In Space

Plants grown in space (doc. NASA)

JAKARTA - For astronauts, gardening is the most important thing in a space mission. Given the research they do can produce breakthroughs for the next long-term mission in obtaining green plants and vegetables in the future.

However, it is not the only benefit to gardening in outer space. As part of the new study, NASA is currently investigating whether these extraterrestrial gardens can also help astronauts overcome the isolation of extraterrestrial life.

NASA said that they are currently studying whether gardening in space will have a beneficial effect on astronauts' mental health, and whether it will help them overcome the isolation boredom that accompanies life in outer space.

The research was conducted by project scientist Dr. Kennedy Space Center. Gioia Massa and her team of experts, who received the project from NASA's Human Research Program.

This week… 🔬 @ NASA_Astronauts research gravity's impact on immune systems📅 @ BoeingSpace targets July 30 for a #Starliner test flight🚀We announce the 1st private astronaut mission to the @Space_Station w / @Axiom_SpaceWatch #SpaceToGround for details: https: // t .co / z26m2e7PbL pic.twitter.com/LGRkMi6YUS

- NASA (NASA) May 14, 2021

The astronauts growing plants on the ISS were surveyed with the question of whether such activity could help explain the impact this activity had on astronauts' mood. Does gardening improve their relationship with the Earth, and how effective is gardening as a source of sensory stimuli for sight, touch, smell, and taste.

When the vegetables are ready to eat, the astronauts also complete sensory assessments. They assessed the taste, color, appearance, aroma, texture, and taste of products to see if the hard work on their vegetables proved useful as a supplement to packaged space foods.

So far, seven astronauts have completed the survey. NASA hopes to survey a total of 24 astronauts before the study is complete. However, some preliminary data noted that all astronauts saw the activity as meaningful.

Several other astronauts enjoyed a different kind of activity, while others reported a passion for cultivating plants and dedicating free time to the project.

The results of this research will later help NASA design better food systems for future space missions.

“We are studying what crops to plant to help supplement the diet, which activities should be automated or remotely operated, and which should have options for crew involvement. "Different growth systems and different space missions will have different solutions to these questions," said NASA.

It is known, NASA has been growing crops on the International Space Station (ISS) in recent years, and the project has proven to be fruitful.

Few astronauts have been able to eat the harvested crops, and scientists have also learned quite a bit about how to grow green vegetables effectively in a microgravity environment.

Even so, there is still a fair amount of research to be done on this issue, and not all of it has to do with food production.