Water Delivery Method – Hydroponics

• Soilless growing method that delivers water directly to the root zone through a perforated silicon tube

• 90% reduction in water

• Less volume as opposed to soil-based growth methods

• Control of water is essential for microgravity environments

• A plethora of existing research from NASA for hydroponics growth methods in microgravity

• Allows for implementation of a closed loop watering system

• Minimized disease/pathogens contamination due to lack of soil

 

Peristaltic Pump – 3D Printed

• Rotational pump that creates a vacuum and pulls water through the tube

• Reversible water flow works on Earth and in micro-gravity

• Minimal power consumption

 

Water Tank – 700mL RC Plane Fuel Tank

• One input/output valve easily attaches to silicone water delivery tube

• Capacity to supply water to plant for approximately three months

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Pipe Support Shell – 3D Printed PLA

• Shell for carrier pipe and attachment to plant support cup 

• Holes for root entry, O2 sensor, and humidity sensor 

• PLA found to be generally regarded as safe for food by FDA Standards

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Carrier Pipe – NSF51 Food Grade 1” PVC 

• Environment for roots to follow laws of hydrotropism

• PVC was used in previous NASA research 

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Delivery Tube – Perforated NSF51 Food Grade Silicone Tubing

• Sufficient compressibility to move water with peristaltic pump 

• Able to drill holes on tubing surface