WCSAR has worked with industry to design and build terrestrial chambers in several different sizes for a variety of applications. Each of these chambers incorporates features developed over the years for WCSAR's space flight hardware. The controlled environment subsystem technologies include:
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LED Plant Lighting
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WCSAR is the only NASA CSC to win the
Space Technology Hall of Fame award.
The award was given for our innovative
work on light emitting diodes for medical
applications.
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A solid state light emitting diode (LED) system is used for plant lighting (U.S.
Patent 5,012,609). Red light at 670 nm and blue light at 470 nm are used to support photosynthesis and proper plant development, respectively. This system is superior to other lighting methods because it is more energy efficient, longer-lived, produces less waste heat, and permits custom blending of red and blue light, corresponding to plant maturity. For those preferring more traditional options, fluorescent lighting is also available.
WCSAR's work in this area is bringing about important advancements in medicine. Improvements by Quantum Devices, Inc. in the light emitting diodes developed for the Astroculture space flight payload have helped advance photodynamic therapy. Used in conjunction with light sensitive chemotherapy drugs, a tumor may be destroyed without damaging the delicate tissue around it. Additionally, the LEDs seem to be able to stimulate the growth of tissues aiding in the healing of wounds. Investigation into this effect are underway. WCSAR has become the only Commercial Space Center to receive the Space Technology Hall of Fame award because of this important research.
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Porous Tube Fluid & Nutrient Delivery
Water or nutrient solution delivery to plant roots is accomplished through the use of porous sintered stainless steel tubes located in the root tray of the plant chamber. The fluid in the tubes is held under a slight, adjustable negative pressure. Fluid is withdrawn by a combination of capillary action of the soilless rooting material and the cohesive action of the plants.
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Temperature & Humidity Control
Superb control of chamber air temperature is provided by thermoelectric devices. Both
humidification and dehumidification are provided by a single system, the elegantly simple Astropore® technology developed by WCSAR (U.S.
Patent 5,368,786).
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Atmospheric Control
Carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration in the air is controlled by a CO2 monitor and a supplementary external source of
CO2. A photocatalytic ethylene scrubber may be
incorporated into the chambers for removal of virtually all released ethylene,
without the need to replace consumable materials such as permanganate.
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Sampling & Data Logging
Automation systems, mechanisms and sensors for sampling, monitoring and data logging are incorporated as required by user specification.
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System Control Software
The operation of the plant growth chambers may be fully automated by software developed by WCSAR. Comprehensive data logging and a fault tolerance and recovery algorithm are incorporated. The software may be used to control an individual chamber, or a large number of chambers operating in a commercial facility.
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WCSAR invites inquiries concerning the use of controlled environment technologies for biotechnology and other applications.
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