Microgravity tests for biofuel

2010-03-09
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A new experiment is being conducted at the International Space Station to find the impact of microgravity on the growth of alternative energy crops.

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A new experiment is being conducted at the International Space Station to find the impact of microgravity on the growth of alternative energy crops.

Scientists working on the National Lab Pathfinder-Cells 3 project are trying to learn whether microgravity can help jatropha curcas plant cells grow at a faster rate to produce biofuel.

Jatropha can produce high quality oil that can be converted into alternative energy fuel. By studying the growth of these plants in microgravity conditions, researchers hope to find a solution to boost the cultivation of the plant on Earth for commercial use.

In the first of its kind study, scientists will see how they can improve the characteristics of plants, such as cell structure, growth and development in microgravity conditions.

"As the search for alternate energy sources has become a top priority, the results from this study could add value for commercialisation of a new product," said Wagner Vendrame, principal investigator for the experiment at the University of Florida in Homestead.

The cell cultures of jatropha were sent to the space laboratory on space shuttle Endeavour's STS-130 mission in February. They were preserved in special flasks containing nutrients and vitamins.

The cells are due to return to Earth on space shuttle Discovery's STS-131 mission in April.

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