What happens when Earth is a worn out husk and even the staunchest Conservatives agree that fracking was one of the more stupid ideas we’ve had? Where does the human race go from there? The sci-fi reading teenager in me immediately and emphatically answers “space!” and shouts “I told you so” at those Conservatives. Teenage Kieran’s dreams just came a little closer to fruition as Russian scientists announced they have grown edible vegetables on the International Space Station. Not that teenage me is hoping for the end of the Earth…
It would no doubt get boring eating in space. There’s only so many times you can throw your food in the air and watch it float away before chasing it down like some kind of space shark. Actually, that would never get boring, but the food itself would get incredibly boring after a while, unless you’re the type of person who lives on microwave meals and vending machine produced burritos, which you probably are. Food fatigue may not be the main reason scientists are growing edible plants in space, but it must be up there along with developing support for prolonged manned deep space missions in the future.
Peas, Japanese leafy greens and dwarf wheat have been grown, which astronauts have eaten and not reported any problems. The rumor that this is because Russians have an incredible constitution has not been confirmed. The vegetables grow in a limited-use root module and have been tested on Earth for abnormalities or harmful microbes and the food passed all tests, allowing scientists to plan for further space horticulture experiments. Next in space, rice, tomatoes and bell peppers will be attempted for the first time ever. Add a few spices and you’re close to a decent jambalaya. [Source]
