Category: Greenhab Report

Crew 205 Green Hab Report – 19-FEB-2019

GreenHab Officer: Nathan Hadland

Environmental control: Heating and Cooling w/ ambient air (1 hrs)

Shade Cloth (40%)

Average temperatures:
Low: 18.4°C

High: 31.7°C

Hours of supplemental light: 5 Hours

Daily water usage for crops: 7.5 gallons

Water in Blue Tank: ~ 198 gallons

Time(s) of watering for crops:

TIME NOTED TEMPERATURE(° C ) / HUMIDITY(%)
[AT TIME OF WATERING]

1) 09.30 AM 20.6° C / 27 %
2) 12.30 PM 31.4° C / 21 %
3) 15:30 PM 23.9° C / 22 %
4) 18:00 PM 23.5° C / 32 %

Changes to crops: More “Mystery Greens” began to sprout and sprouts were emerging around the planter.

Narrative: It is becoming clear that not all regolith simulants are created equal. Several Arabidopsis thaliana experiments are performing very well and others continue to dry out, likely due to the alkaline nature and wettability properties. In addition, the paper towel germinations have finished and we may transfer them to pots for future crews to maintain.

We are decreasing watering frequency due to the constant saturation of the soil and to allow the substrate to aerate. The door remained closed for most of the day due to the low ambient temperatures. However, when the environmental data was checked at noon, the temperature had jumped to 31 degrees C due to the intense sunlight. However, after approximately one hour of ambient airflow, the temperature had dropped to 19 degrees so the door was closed at 1330.

Harvest: None.

Support/supplies needed: None.

Crew 205 Green Hab Report – 18-FEB-2019
GreenHab Officer: Nathan Hadland

Environmental control: Heating and Cooling w/ ambient air (0 hrs)
Shade Cloth (40%)
Average temperatures:

Low: 17.7°C

High: 23.5°C
Hours of supplemental light: 5 Hours

Daily water usage for crops: 11 gallons

Water in Blue Tank: ~ 205.5 gallons

Time(s) of watering for crops:

TIME NOTED TEMPERATURE(° C ) / HUMIDITY(%)
[AT TIME OF WATERING]

1) 09.40 AM 21.4° C / 31 %
2) 12.30 PM 19.2° C / 37 %
3) 15:30 PM 22.6° C / 47 %
4) 18:00 PM 20.6° C / 42 %

Changes to crops: Basil plants flowering and the “Mystery Greens” from the seed bank began sprouting. One of the remaining pots of cucumbers was scrapped.

Narrative: The Arabidopsis thaliana experiments are performing very well compared to the previous trial. Two regolith samples appear to be standing out as more viable candidates for plant growth substrates. The pH study on the regolith samples was completed today and the samples’ inability to support Arabidopsismay be in part due to their wettability properties and alkaline nature.

Miracle Grow nutrient supplement was sprayed sparingly on tomatoes, sugar snap peas, and basil. One of the remaining struggling cucumber plants died and the dead biomass weight will be used in our cellulosic ethanol ISRU project. The door remained closed throughout the day due to the consistent snowfall and consequently caused a fairly constant temperature throughout the day. 9.8 g of parsley and 6.4 g of basil were harvested as a garnish for lunch and dinner. Two of the basil plants flowered, which we groomed as a preventative measure against the plant entering another stage in its lifecycle. Upon further investigation, it appears that the radish plant that flowered is healthy contrary to our hypothesis in our last report.

Harvest: 9.8 g parsley

6.4 g of basil

Support/supplies needed: Several pots and the large grow bed appear to be over-saturated. Should we decrease the frequency of watering from 4 times a day to allow the soil to aerate.

GreenHab Officer: Nathan Hadland

Environmental control: Heating and Cooling w/ ambient air (~0.5 hrs)

Shade Cloth (40%)

Average temperatures:

Low: 18.6°C

High: 26.3°C

Hours of supplemental light: 5 Hours

Daily water usage for crops: 12 gallons

Water in Blue Tank: ~ 216.5 gallons

Time(s) of watering for crops:

TIME NOTED TEMPERATURE(° C ) / HUMIDITY(%)
[AT TIME OF WATERING]

1) 09.25 AM 22.3° C / 23 %
2) 12.05 PM 24.4° C / 24 %
3) 15:15 PM 22.6° C / 69 %
4) 18:00 PM 21.5° C / 45 %

Changes to crops: Radish plant is flowering.

Narrative: The Arabidopsis thaliana experiments died overnight despite ample watering due to dehydration. Consequently, the experiments were restarted this afternoon (see Science Report). Miracle Grow nutrient supplement was sprayed sparingly on sugar snap peas, tomatoes, mustard, and cucumbers. Dead biomass on the sugar snap peas was pruned in order to help improve the productivity and health of the plants. The dead biomass weight will be used in our cellulosic ethanol ISRU project. The door was opened at 1515 hours to allow for ambient airflow but closed at 1545 because of the snow storm and drop in temperature. 4.2 g of Mixed Salad Greens were harvested as a garnish for dinner. One of the radish plants is flowering which may be cause for concern (angiosperms often flower when stressed). We will investigate when the radishes were planted in the logbook to determine whether this is part of the natural lifecycle or actually a stressed organism.

The GreenHab inventory and inventory of plants currently growing at the facility was completed today by the GreenHab officer and today’s XO. These will be made available for future crews and updated by crews during their rotation.

Harvest: Mixed salad greens: 4.2 g

Support/supplies needed: None.

Crew 205 Green Hab Report – 16-FEB-2019

GreenHab Officer: Nathan Hadland

Environmental control: Heating and Cooling w/ ambient air (4.5 hrs)

Shade Cloth (40%)

Average temperatures:

Low: 16.9°C

High: 26.8°C

Hours of supplemental light: 5 Hours

Daily water usage for crops: 12 gallons

Water in Blue Tank: ~ 228.5 gallons

Time(s) of watering for crops:

TIME NOTED TEMPERATURE(° C ) / HUMIDITY(%)
[AT TIME OF WATERING]

1) 09.00 AM 25° C / 20 %
2) 12.00 PM 22.2° C / 24 %
3) 15:30 PM 21.5° C / 23 %
4) 18:15 PM 20.5° C / 35 %

Changes to crops: Some of the Arabidopsis seedlings died overnight due to the regolith drying out (see narrative). Damp paper towel germinations are starting to sprout.

Narrative: Arabidopsis seedlings were transferred into collected regolith samples yesterday and watered with Hoagland’s hydroponic nutrient supplement. However, some of the regolith samples are exhibiting interesting wettability properties and appear to be absorbing the water at an extremely high rate, causing the samples to dry out quickly. After watering with approximately 5 mL per 15 mL of regolith substrate yesterday evening, the samples dried out by this morning and several of the experiments had died. We will transfer additional seedlings into the samples later this evening. The damp paper towel germinations are starting to sprout as well so we will have additional seedlings available for experiments.

The digitized inventory of seeds as well as an inventory of the equipment available in the GreenHab and Science Dome is nearing completion and will be available to future crews prior to their rotations. More information will be available in the next Science Report.

The cucumbers that we kept in their pots are looking healthier. However, the peas are not improving and the crew will continue to keep an eye on their progress. The door was opened at 1100 hours for ambient airflow and closed at 1530 hours to prevent dramatic climate shifts.

Harvest: None.

Support/supplies needed: None.

Crew 205 Green Hab Report – 15-FEB-2019

GreenHab Officer: Dave Masaitis

Environmental control: Heating and Cooling w/ ambient air (5 hrs)

Shade Cloth (40%)

Average temperatures:

Low: 17.2 °C

High: 25.1°C

Hours of supplemental light: 5 Hours

Daily water usage for crops: 12 gallons

Water in Blue Tank: ~ 240.5 gallons

Time(s) of watering for crops:

TIME NOTED TEMPERATURE(° C ) / HUMIDITY(%) [AT TIME OF WATERING]

1) 09:18 AM 21.3° C / 49%
2) 12:00 PM 23.1° C / 32%
3) 15:03 PM 22.5° C / 24%
4) 18:11 PM 18.7° C / 27%

Changes to crops: A pot of “Mystery Greens” was planted(see narrative below). A. Thaliana was planted in regolith-type substrates according to the mission plan.

Narrative: The door to the GreenHab was opened at 0954 hrs, due to an observed temperature of 25ºC. The Smoke/CO Detector began chirping an error code at 1018 hrs, so the GreenHab Officer notified the Health and Safety Officer and Crew Engineer, and then replaced the two ‘AA’ batteries. A test was performed on the detector, and it was remounted on its bracket. The GreenHab Officer spent the morning performing an inventory of the MDRS Seed Bank, only to find that some of the seed packets had been spilled in the can. The GreenHab Officer had a working lunch, in order to get the loose seeds re-sorted by type, and placed back into appropriate packets. Only one variety did not have a corresponding packet, and those seeds appeared to be a microgreen mix, so the GreenHab Officer discussed the matter with the Commander, and then planted the loose seeds in a pot labeled “Mystery Greens.” The crew intends to positively identify this group before departing MDRS and will be capable of reporting the group’s progress. The Comms Officer stopped by to assist with the removal of 200g (wet mass) of dead carrot biomass, as well as the harvesting of 2g of sage. The GreenHab door was closed at 1418 hrs, due to excessive wind gusts, and reopened at 1437 hrs to resume temperature regulation as winds calmed. The door was closed again by 1530 hrs as winds picked back up, but exterior thermo-regulation was no longer required. The MDRS Seed Bank Inventory was digitized by common name, scientific name, and cultivar based on information given on seed packets, and will be continuously improved prior to departure of Crew 205.

Harvest: 2g sage, 200g dead carrot biomass

Support/supplies needed: GreenHab Officer requests ziploc baggies to better organize open seed packets in the seed bank, and prevent future spilling of loose seeds from opened packets

GreenHab Officer: Natalia Larrea

Environmental control: Heating and Cooling w/ ambient air (8 hrs)

Shade Cloth (40%)

Average temperatures:

Low: 17.5 °C

High: 26.5°C

Hours of supplemental light: 5 Hours

Daily water usage for crops: 12 gallons

Water in Blue Tank: ~ 252.5 gallons

Time(s) of watering for crops:

TIME NOTED TEMPERATURE(° C ) / HUMIDITY(%)
[AT TIME OF WATERING]

1) 09.00 AM 24.5° C / 28 %
2) 12.00 PM 25.2° C / 32 %
3) 14:40 PM 24.5° C / 38 %
4) 18:00 PM 20.6° C / 48 %

Changes to crops: New seedlings continue sprouting around the large tomato plant in the grow bed. Some plants exhibit potential nutrient deficit (see narrative below). The A. Thaliana started sprouting on the germination plate.

Narrative: Further seeds of A. Thaliana were washed and placed in germination plates using damp paper towel germinations last night (13th February). The plates were placed inside the incubator to maintain optimal environmental conditions. The A. Thaliana that was plated on Monday started sprouting as well and will be transferred to collected regolith samples tomorrow. We continued regolith characterization by investigating the pH of the sample. The samples were treated with a CaCl2-2H2O solution and de-ionized water results will be available in tomorrow’s report.

The GreenHab temperature was regulated throughout the day with the use of the heater at specific intervals of time. We conducted inventory in the GreenHab to identify which plants exhibit yellow pigmentation (i.e., possible indicator of nitrogen/nutrient deficiency in those pots). The following plants were identified as having a nutrient deficit (see attached pictures):

· Savory mix (some leaves started to turn yellow)

· Lettuce encore mix (some leaves exhibit slight yellow color)

· Lettuce leaf (some leaves started to turn yellow)

· Parsley (the plant is largely healthy, few leaves at the bottom started turning yellow).

· Fennel (the plant is largely healthy, few leaves at the bottom started turning yellow).

· Sugar snap peas (most plants turning yellow. Some drying)

· Cucumber (plants seem to be dead, as previously reported)

We prepared the plants nutrient employing the “Miracle-Gro” solution available in the GreenHab. We sprayed the solution sparingly at specific spots at the base of the affected plants. We will continue monitoring the situation to observe how plants react. It is anticipated we will repeat this process in the next two to three days.

Harvest: 2g parsley, 1g lemon basil, 1g fennel greens.

Support/supplies needed: None.

Crew 205 Green Hab Report – 13-FEB-2019

GreenHab Officer: Nathan Hadland

Environmental control: Heating and Cooling w/ ambient air (0 hrs)

Shade Cloth (40%)

Average temperatures:

Low: 17.4°C

High: 27.3°C

Hours of supplemental light: 5 Hours

Daily water usage for crops: 12 gallons

Water in Blue Tank: ~ 264.5 gallons

Time(s) of watering for crops:

TIME NOTED TEMPERATURE(° C ) / HUMIDITY(%)
[AT TIME OF WATERING]

1) 09.00 AM 21.4° C / 28 %
2) 12.00 PM 22.2° C / 24 %
3) 15:30 PM 21.9° C / 27 %
4) 18:15 PM 25.5° C / 33 %

Changes to crops: New seedlings sprouting around the large tomato plant in the grow bed.

Narrative: We continued regolith sample collection in Candor Chasma and will continue characterization throughout the evening using the dissection and optical microscopes. We are also performing spectral analysis using a spectrometer for preliminary elemental characterization.

The A. Thaliana has not germinated yet on the agar germination plates, so we are considering using a damp paper towel germination as a backup. The GreenHab dropped in temperature today due to persistent cloud cover. However, the heater mitigated the temperature fluctuations.

The red leaf lettuce us not showing any pigmentation, which is a possible indicator of plant stress. Additionally, the peas still have yellow pigmentation, which leads us to believe there are nutrient and nitrogen deficiency in those pots. We will continue to monitor these experiments.

We are still waiting for the arrival of seeds.

Harvest: None.

Support/supplies needed: None

Crew 205 Green Hab Report – 12-FEB-2019

GreenHab Officer: Nathan Hadland

Environmental control: Heating and Cooling w/ ambient air (4 hrs)

Shade Cloth (40%)

Average temperatures:

Low: 17.7°C

High: 27.9°C

Hours of supplemental light: 5 Hours

Daily water usage for crops: 12 gallons

Water in Blue Tank: ~ 276.5 gallons

Time(s) of watering for crops:

TIME NOTED TEMPERATURE(° C ) / HUMIDITY(%) [AT TIME OF WATERING]

1) 09.00 AM 19.5° C / 54 %
2) 12.00 PM 27.6° C / 28 %
3) 15:30 PM 19.8° C / 63 %
4) 18:15 PM 18.7° C / 45 %

Changes to crops: None

Narrative: Today we continued sample collection on EVA’s for the regolith samples for the nutrient supplementation experiments (see mission summary). We also began characterizing regolith samples and took photographs underneath the dissection microscope. A more thorough analysis of the samples will be available in tomorrow’s science report. The A. Thaliana seeds were washed and placed on germination plates last night and we expect germination to be in initial stages tomorrow.

Additionally, we took photographs of the dissected cucumber samples under the optical microscope and found evidence of degraded cell structure, likely from the fungi growing on the dead plants. More information and photos will be available in tomorrow’s science report as well.

We removed 1 dead sunflower from its grow bed to prevent the spread of mold. Similarly, we removed 1 dead Red Leaf Lettuce from its pot. Additionally, we groomed dead biomass (fallen leaves/stems) from several of the grow beds. We also harvested small amounts of oregano, parsley and lemon basil for lunch.

Harvest: 1/3 g Oregano

1/3 g Parsley

1/3 g Lemon basil

6.3 g of dead material (including dead cucumbers)

Support/supplies needed: None.

Crew 205 Green Hab Report – 11-FEB-2019

GreenHab Officer: Nathan Hadland

Environmental control: Heating and Cooling w/ ambient air (5 hrs)

Shade Cloth (40%)

Average temperatures:

Low: 17.1°C

High: 26.4°C

Hours of supplemental light: 5 Hours

Daily water usage for crops: 11.5 gallons

Water in Blue Tank: ~ 288.5 gallons

Time(s) of watering for crops:

TIME NOTED TEMPERATURE(° C ) / HUMIDITY(%)
[AT TIME OF WATERING]

1) 09.00 AM 19.9° C / 33 %
2) 12.00 PM 25.2° C / 62 %
3) 15:30 PM 20.5° C / 22 %
4) 18:15 PM 19.1° C / 48 %

Changes to crops: None

Narrative: I scrapped 2 of the cucumber experiments and set the plant material aside for later analysis. We prepared some wet mount slides and analyzed the samples under the microscope in the science dome and found nothing unusual with regards cell structure. However, the discoloration and dry material leads us to believe that they died of nitrogen deficiency and improper watering. We will continue analysis at a later date. I am attempting to salvage three of the cucumbers that appear to still be living. In addition, I prepped the tomato pots so they are ready for the seed arrival.

In the large planter, we dug up all of the carrots that were growing wrong areas and replanted them in one section (as I mentioned in my last report, they were clearly taking over the planter and causing nitrogen deficiency on the other crops). In the rearranging process, we freed up a lot of room for the tomatoes in the planter and we intend on using some of the seeds we received to add to the number of tomato plants in the planter.

I also harvested many of the larger carrot crops and we separated the carrots from the carrot greens. We dried out the greens using the ovens for our In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) study on cellulosic ethanol production (see the GreenHab section in the mission summary report). The harvest is being used for roasted carrots for dinner!

I started autoclaving pipet tips and microcentrifuge tubes, however, we had issues with the autoclave (refer to tonight’s operations report). Once the autoclave cools, later tonight we will start the procedure for germinating the Arabidopsis thaliana seeds and plating on the germination plates. We will put those plates in the GreenHab and expect germination within the next few days. Today, we started sampling regolith on EVA for later physical property characterization. Once the A. thaliana germinates, we will transfer the seedlings to the regolith we identify as the best substrates.

Harvest: Carrots: 314 g total weight

124 wet weight of carrot greens

190 g of carrots

23 g dry weight of inedible cellulosic material

Support/supplies needed: None.

Crew 205 Green Hab Report – 11-FEB-2019

GreenHab Officer: Nathan Hadland

Environmental control: Heating and Cooling w/ ambient air (5 hrs)

Shade Cloth (40%)

Average temperatures:

Low: 17.1°C

High: 26.4°C

Hours of supplemental light: 5 Hours

Daily water usage for crops: 11.5 gallons

Water in Blue Tank: ~ 388.5 gallons

Time(s) of watering for crops:

TIME NOTED TEMPERATURE(° C ) / HUMIDITY(%)
[AT TIME OF WATERING]

1) 09.00 AM 19.9° C / 33 %
2) 12.00 PM 25.2° C / 62 %
3) 15:30 PM 20.5° C / 22 %
4) 18:15 PM 19.1° C / 48 %

Changes to crops: None

Narrative: I scrapped 2 of the cucumber experiments and set the plant material aside for later analysis. We prepared some wet mount slides and analyzed the samples under the microscope in the science dome and found nothing unusual with regards cell structure. However, the discoloration and dry material leads us to believe that they died of nitrogen deficiency and improper watering. We will continue analysis at a later date. I am attempting to salvage three of the cucumbers that appear to still be living. In addition, I prepped the tomato pots so they are ready for the seed arrival.

In the large planter, we dug up all of the carrots that were growing wrong areas and replanted them in one section (as I mentioned in my last report, they were clearly taking over the planter and causing nitrogen deficiency on the other crops). In the rearranging process, we freed up a lot of room for the tomatoes in the planter and we intend on using some of the seeds we received to add to the number of tomato plants in the planter.

I also harvested many of the larger carrot crops and we separated the carrots from the carrot greens. We dried out the greens using the ovens for our In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) study on cellulosic ethanol production (see the GreenHab section in the mission summary report). The harvest is being used for roasted carrots for dinner!

I started autoclaving pipet tips and microcentrifuge tubes, however, we had issues with the autoclave (refer to tonight’s operations report). Once the autoclave cools, later tonight we will start the procedure for germinating the Arabidopsis thaliana seeds and plating on the germination plates. We will put those plates in the GreenHab and expect germination within the next few days. Today, we started sampling regolith on EVA for later physical property characterization. Once the A. thaliana germinates, we will transfer the seedlings to the regolith we identify as the best substrates.

Harvest: Carrots: 314 g total weight

124 wet weight of carrot greens

190 g of carrots

23 g dry weight of inedible cellulosic material

Support/supplies needed: None.