Greenhouse technology advances Mars research

摘要

The next three years will see baseline data gathered as the U of G facility becomes operational and plants are grown and monitored. The harsh climate and powerful winds of Devon Island, the largest uninhabited island on this planet, make it an unlikely destination for Canadians getting away for the summer. But a University of Guelph/Canadian Space Agency collaborative research team worked there this summer in the first phase of a three-year research initiative for advanced life support in space. Dr. Alain Berinstain and Keegan Boyd of the Canadian Space Agency, along with University of Guelph Prof. Mike Dixon and research assistant Tom Graham, both of the Department of Plant Agriculture, are spearheading the project. Berinstain, Graham and Keeganwere charged with the task of erecting a greenhouse on the island, and establishing the necessary sensory and monitoring systems (during the remaining 46 weeks of the year, the team will monitor the greenhouse via the Internet). All of these steps are fairly straight-forward, but dealing with high winds, harsh temperatures and 24-hour sunlight poses new challenges. Researchers hope to identify the ways in which technology needs to be adapted to function in the even harsher conditions of Mars. Devon Island is in the Canadian Territory of Nunavut and has a polar desert climate, with no vegetation and very little life. Its geology and landscape, including a well-preserved impact crater, are comparable to Mars. Temperatures range from -40 deg C to 20 deg Cand the island is home to visitors for only about six to eight weeks a year, during July and August. During these weeks, international research teams visit the island as its unique and pristine environment make it ideal for research related to the Marsmission.