Vegetable Production System

The Vegetable Production System (Veggie) is a plant growth unit on the ISSInternational Space Station that is capable of producing salad-type crops to provide the crew with a safe, palatable, and nutritious source of food, while also providing a tool to support recreation and relaxation. Veggie provides nutrient delivery and light. It uses the cabin environment for temperature control and as a source of carbon dioxide. Veggie has also been used to support fundamental space biology experiments such as the Advanced Plant Experiments (APEX) and educational space biology activities. Veggie is installed in an EXpedite the PRocessing of Experiments to Space Station (EXPRESS) Rack. Plants are grown in pillows and PONDS units. Light levels can be set. An in-orbit light sensor is used to measure the number of photons ranging from 400 to 700 nm, also known as PAR. A handheld light meter is also available.