XROOTS eXposed Root On-Orbit Test System

https://www.nasa.gov/mission/station/research-explorer/investigation/?#id=8088 The eXposed Root On-Orbit Test System (XROOTS) investigation uses hydroponic and aeroponic techniques to grow plants without soil or other growth media and evaluates the plant life cycle from seed germination through maturity. An equipment malfunction that limited operations of an initial investigation in 2022 has been resolved and this second flight tests automated fluid recovery as well as redesigns of root and shoot interfaces and seed cartridges. Results could identify suitable methods for larger scale crop production on future space missions and improve agricultural production in certain settings on Earth.