The pressure on Mars is less than one per cent of what it is here on Earth. One of the key questions facing scientists is whether plants could thrive at lower atmospheric pressures. Fourteen variable pressure growth chamber, designed by the CES research team specifically for the study of long term plant growth under low atmospheric pressures, have been in continuous operation since 2001. These growth chambers provide a venue for the study of plant growth and development, photosynthetic gas exchange, air quality, and hydroponic solution remediation technologies under atmospheric conditions common to both earth based studies and extraterrestrial exploration and habitation.
Large Hypobaric Chambers
Chamber Specifications:
- Size (internal): 1.0 x 1.8 x 2.5 metres (W x H x D)
- Growing area: 1.5 square metres
- Volume: 4500 litres
Small Hypobaric Chambers
Chamber Specifications:
- Size (internal): 0.45 x 1.6 metres (Diameter x Height)
- Volume: 245 litres