MCLEAN, Va., Aug. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- QinetiQ North
America today announced the results of its first Symbiotic
Nodulation in a Reduced Gravity Environment (SyNRGE) experiment,
which studied the effects of microgravity on host plant and
bacteria cells. After a one-week analysis, the results of this
experiment showed both the plants and their beneficial bacteria
thrived in microgravity in their BRIC (Biological Research In a
Canister) homes on the shuttle.
The SyNRGE experiment, which took place on the final mission of
the space shuttle program, is part of a NASA grant to investigate
the role of microgravity on biological nitrogen fixation. This
study of plants and bacteria, and how they grow and interact in a
microgravity environment, helps to shed light on the creation of a
sustainable living environment for humans in space. Plants are
critical not only as a sustainable food source, but they can also
be used for atmospheric regeneration and water purification. Like
humans, plants are intimately associated with bacteria in their
environment. SyNRGE's findings could dramatically reduce re-supply
costs for astronaut provisions, make longer space missions
possible, and free up valuable payload capacity on future
missions.
According to QinetiQ North America officials, the results could
help scientists find new ways to successfully grow food, such as
beans, peas and alfalfa, in areas of our planet that are currently
unable to support plant life.
"When Atlantis landed and we first opened up the SyNRGE
experiments, we could immediately see excellent growth in all of
the test plants. Our preliminary analysis confirms that the plants
and bacteria cultivated in space can take the first steps in
forming the symbiotic interaction that leads to nitrogen fixation,"
said Dr. Michael Roberts, QinetiQ
North America. "These results will provide scientists and future
generations with the information we need to support and sustain
life on long-term space missions and in agriculturally challenged
areas of our own planet Earth."
QinetiQ North America's team of scientists developed the SyNRGE
experiment as part of the company's work on its Engineering
Services Contract (ESC) with NASA. In addition to the SyNRGE
experiments, ESC includes numerous space launch functions in
support of manned and unmanned missions at Kennedy Space
Center.
"The development of a biological regenerative system for
sustainable life support opens up the universe to us," said Dr.
Gary Stutte, QinetiQ North America.
"With the ability to create a biological regenerative system for
sustainable life support for long duration space missions, a manned
mission to Mars is just the beginning."
About QinetiQ North America
QinetiQ North America (QNA) is a subsidiary of QinetiQ Group
plc, the FTSE250 company listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE:
QQ.L). Operating in North
America, QNA delivers world-class technology, responsive
services, and innovative solutions for global markets, focusing on
US government and commercial customers. Its engineers,
scientists and other professionals deliver high quality products
and services that leverage detailed mission knowledge and proven,
reliable tools and methodologies to meet the rapidly changing
demands of national defense, homeland security and information
assurance customers. QNA is headquartered in McLean, Virginia. For more information visit
www.qinetiq-na.com.
Contact:
Michael Rudd, Boscobel (for QinetiQ
North America, Inc.)
301-588-2900
mrudd@boscobel.com
SOURCE QinetiQ North America