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ADVASC
Configuration of ADVASC:
ADVASC-GC (upper) and
ADVASC-SS (lower)
ADVASC in EXPRESS Rack
ADVASC (lower left corner)
installed in an EXPRESS Rack.

The Advanced Astroculture (ADVASC) plant growth unit is configured as two single middeck inserts to be installed in an EXPRESS rack on board the International Space Station (ISS). One insert, identified as the ADVASC-SS, contains the computer, electronics and other support systems. The other insert, identified as the ADVASC-GC, contains an enclosed and environmentally controlled plant growth chamber and ancillary subsystems. ADVASC is an extension of ASC-GC, using the validated environmental control technologies. However, ADVASC is specifically designed without the requirement for ascent and descent power. ADVASC is designed to perform autonomously and continuously for an average 180 days in a microgravity environment.

ADVASC Specifications

Growing Space
    Shoot area:      486 cm2
    Shoot height:      34.5 cm
    Root area:      486 cm2
    Root height:      5 cm

Temperature
    Method:      active control using thermoelectric coolers
    Range:      17 - 45 oC
    Accuracy:      ± 0.5 oC from the set point
    Uniformity:      ± 1 oC within plant canopy plane

Humidity
    Method:      active control using Astropore® technology
    Range:      40 - 95 % RH
    Accuracy:      ± 3 % RH from the set point
    Uniformity:      ± 5 % RH within plant canopy plane

Lighting
    Method:      high intensity red (670 nm) and blue (470 nm) light emitting diodes (LEDs)
    Intensity:      0 - 550 µmol/m2/s for red and 0 - 70 µmol/m2/s for blue, measured at bottom of the chamber
    Control:      photon flux programmably controlled with ± 5% of setpoint
    Uniformity:      ± 10 % within plane, 10 cm from the light source
Water/Nutrient Delivery
    Method:      capillary mass transfer through rooting matrix via porous materials
    Control:      solution pH range 4.5 - 7.5 ±0.2

Atmosphere Composition
    CO2:      300 - 2000 ppm ± 50 ppm or ± 5% of the setpoint
    Ethylene:      < 50 ppb by photocatalytic oxidation

EXPRESS Rack Compatible Data/Video Interface
    Allows for real-time data telemetry, remote commanding, and video (NTSC format) downlink

ADVASC Flight History

ISS Increment 2 (2001)
ISS Increment 4 (2002)
ISS Increment 5 (2002)

Content by WCSAR
Last modified: February 6, 2006