Chinese astronauts from the "Shenzhou-16" mission, who returned to Earth after spending several months in space, have successfully grown lettuce, tomatoes, and green onions on board the Tiangong space station of the China National Space Administration (CNSA).
It has been revealed that lettuce was planted in June, resulting in four harvests, while cherry tomatoes and green onions were planted in August, also yielding a harvest.
Scientist Yang Renze from the Chinese Astronaut Research and Training Center explained that the apparatus enabling vegetable growth in space is a key component of the Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS). This system, as described by Renze, essentially provides a safe and habitable environment crucial for human survival during extended space missions. The plants not only supply astronauts with fresh produce but also absorb carbon dioxide from the air and generate oxygen through photosynthesis. It is anticipated that they will also contribute to water regeneration and purification through transpiration.
This development holds significant importance for China, especially if it intends to conduct missions into deep space that cannot rely on importing food from Earth.
Source: obozrevatel.com