The Chinese space station is experimenting with rice and watercress farming in microgravity conditions. It also has a silkworm breeding centre because some researches indicate they could be a good protein source in future long duration space trips.

 

Watercress has already flowered and some rice plants have reached 10cm height. Furthermore, 5 silkworms have reached the cocoon fase.

 

Once tests have finished, watercress samples will be sent back to earth but the rice experiment will continue. This is not the first experiment with space farming but it is the first one that can be remotely controlled.

 

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