2019-06-202019-06-202019-07-07ICES_2019_242https://hdl.handle.net/2346/84457Rihana Mungin, Portland State University (PSU), USAMark Weislogel, Portland State University (PSU), USATyler Hatch, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), USAJohn McQuillen, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), USAICES500: Life Science/Life Support Research TechnologiesThe 49th International Conference on Environmental Systems was held in Boston, Massachusetts, USA on 07 July 2019 through 11 July 2019.As part of the NASA Plant Water Management technology demonstration experiments, a capillary fluidics hydroponic system that can function in a variety of gravity environments has been developed and tested for crop production in space. A passive liquid delivery method is employed that drastically reduces the number of contaminable moving parts providing a high reliability solution requiring minimal resources for operation. The terrestrial, lunar, and Martian environments are managed in a ‘gravity-dominated mode,’ while the low-gravity transit and orbit environments are managed in a ‘capillary fluidics mode,’ where the role of gravity is replaced by the equally passive effects of surface tension, conduit shape, and wettability. The unique considerations for priming, germination, aeration, nutrient supply, root accommodation, layout, crew interaction, etc. are highlighted. Design guides for system function are provided along with high Technology Readiness Level demonstrations of the system during terrestrial and drop tower tests. Long duration tests are planned on short schedule aboard the International Space Station in 2019.application/pdfengSpacecraft hydroponicsCapillary fluidicsPlant water managementPresentations