Spectrum

Facility Description

Spectrum takes fluorescent images of biological plant samples in a controlled environment on the ISSInternational Space Station. A high-resolution, monochrome camera captures images of fluoresced proteins of the plant samples within Petri dishes. The ground control team can control the growth lighting, carbon dioxide levels, and ethylene levels within the Spectrum research chamber over a 12-day growth period. Images are routinely captured and sent back to Earth. The camera resolution is 71 megapixels. Scrubbers are used to remove excess carbon dioxide and ethylene. Up to four Petri dishes can be installed in the Spectrum carousel assembly. The monochrome grow lights can be red, blue, green, white, or far-red to provide the energy necessary for photosynthesis to occur.