Mission to Mars Tomatosphere

A trip to Mars? We are on the way to Mars and a sensor indicates some kind of problem with a storage system on the outside of the space vehicle. The problem is investigated by an astronaut on a “spacewalk” – an extravehicular activity or EVA – who indeed finds there is a problem with the storage system. Over the next few weeks, plans are made on Earth to fix the problem and an astronaut conducts another EVA to fix the problem. However, some time has passed and the seeds have been exposed to extremely cold temperatures (-90oC), and very low atmospheric pressure (almost a vacuum). The problem with the storage system is fixed – BUT, HOW WILL THIS AFFECT THE SEEDS THAT WE WILL USE TO GROW TOMATOES ONCE WE GET TO THE SURFACE OF MARS?

Video Astronaut Mike Fincke Some facts about the project

Objective The Tomatosphere project objective is to compare the germination rate of tomato seeds and the vigour of growth of tomato plants, after seed exposure to the following environmental conditions: – Exposure to conditions in the Earth's environment only (the control group). – Seeds that were subjected to a simulated space environment at the University of Guelph for a 3-month time period. The simulation approximates what might happen to the seeds if there was a breach in the storage system on a vehicle (with astronauts) going to Mars for the first time.

Why? The students' findings will address the question of how we supply space exploration missions with life support requirements - food, water, oxygen and the need to consume carbon dioxide exhaled by the members of the crew.

How? You will observe the tomatoes during their seedling germination and growth. You will record your observations and send the data to the Canadian Space Agency.

What is Germination? A process by which a seed changes into a seedling with leaves, stem and roots. For purposes of this experiment, a seed can be considered to have successfully germinated when two (2) distinctly separate cotyledons (embryonic leaves) can be seen.

Germination

Conditions Necessary for Germination Moisture Oxygen: All green plants need oxygen to "breathe" or respire. Warmth: – Minimum: Tomato plants will not germinate at temperatures below 10°C. – Optimum: Tomato plants germinate best between 17°C and 20°C. – Maximum: Tomato plants will not germinate at temperatures which exceed 35°C.

Planting Medium

Monitor the germination conditions Seeds must be kept moist, but not wet. Germinating seeds prefer a moderately warm uniform temperature. Ensure that all seeds are germinated under identical conditions. Avoid direct sunlight.

Observe and record Detailed and carefully recorded observations are essential to completing a successful experiment. Observations will be recorded daily.

Individual Observations DateDay NumberTimeTemperatureObservations/Notes April 8/1119:50am20 CPlanted seeds. Peat pellets were watered 20 mins before planting.

Class Observation Charts

HAVE FUN!