Food for space: Radish adds to hope of human colonies on Mars, Moon

The humble radish will never occupy pride of place on a gourmet menu. But it made global headlines recently when it was grown at the International Space Station (ISS). The space radishes will not be eaten; they will be frozen and sent back for study.

The radish is the latest addition to several plant species grown at the ISS’s veggie chamber, a carefully constructed “greenhouse”. This is a small plant growth chamber designed and built by Orbital Technologies Corporation. It has been operational since 2014. The chamber uses LED lights and fans to circulate air. Any debris is directed to