Initial Goal: To re-establish the hydroponics installations that were set up last year and begin to automate them.
What has been done: The flood and drain systems are up and running with the first crop ready for harvest.
Issues: Besides the mint that is attempting to take over the elab the nutrient level of the water changes drastically with the constant rain.Initially, the pumps were too strong for the amount of space available and resulted in severe overflow but this was solved with some clever tinkering. Algae has also begun to take over the reservoir and has to be constantly removed to prevent the pump from clogging.
Next Steps: Establish the vertical hydroponic installations and begin possible zero gravity research similar to what Boening attempted on the ISS.
maragh_s
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