Biomass Production System (BPS) Technology Validation Test Results

The objective of the BPS Technology Validation Test (TVT) flown on the ISS as part of Increment 4 was to verify the functionality of environmental control subsystems and to measure the ability of the BPS to support plant growth and development in microgravity. Additional TVT objectives included validation of information acquisition systems, operations and support systems, and component performance. All TVT objectives were successfully addressed. Most evaluation criteria stipulated pre-flight were met. When there were deviations from pre-mission requirements, root causes were identified and subsystem configurations modified to eliminate these problems. Results from the TVT have been applied to the Plant Research Unit development to reduce technical risks and increase reliability.