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Space Lab® has been researching the Lemnaceae family for use as food for astronauts. Through environmental modification, our LilyPond Water Lentils™ have enhanced yield and nutritional quality. Water lentils grow on the surface of still, or slow flowing fresh water bodies around the globe. They have been consumed for centuries in many countries as a fresh vegetable. Now, because of their high nutritional density and rapid growth, they have been recently haled by some as the next superfood.
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Doubling their own mass in 1-3 days, very high yields can be achieved with less cultivable land. They have high quality protein similar to soy or eggs; have high levels of omega 3 fatty acids, similar to flax seed; and are a good source of vitamins (A, C, and E) and antioxidants (zeaxanthin, anthocyanin, and lutein). They also have improved functionality over other plant proteins (taste, texture, bioavailability).
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Providing nutrient dense food high in vitamins, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids is essential to a healthy diet, especially for long duration missions in the deep space radiation environment. Space Lab® is studying the effects of the space environment on water lentils that includes the typical cabin high CO2 levels at reduced pressures. In addition to the cabin environment, Space Lab® is concurrently investigating the effects of spectral composition via LED lighting on nutrient production. A six bay test rig placed in a CO2 controlled growth chamber provides the capability to test multiple lighting compositions simultaneously. Each bay contains a sliding drawer that holds four petri dishes in place. Each LED panel contains ×5 independently controlled wavelengths.
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Water Lentils Test Rig
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