2003 年 15 巻 1 号 p. 27-30
This paper discusses the feasibility of the application of aeroponics (mist culture) for plant experiments in space. An aeroponics system was tested using parabolic flights where approximately 20 seconds of continuous microgravity of 0.01∼0.04 g could be simulated. The system consisted of a controlled environment root zone container, a solution tank, solution colored red, a pump with a spray nozzle, and two CCD cameras. Solution through the nozzle was sprayed on roots of Pisum sativum L. and Hordeum vulgare L. at the beginning of microgravity and the motion of solution moisture was recorded by the cameras. The moisture was held at the root surface by surface tension and did not fall during microgravity. The result indicated that aeroponics could be a potential nutrient solution delivery system for plant experiments in space.