Experiment Update

We have been trying since 15 July to start the Greenhouse experiment. We've had some problems, some frustrations and happily some successes. In the problems department, it took the MIR crew a lot of time to find all the hardware pieces stored on the space station. After they found all our stuff, the next problem was that the power in the module was found to be insufficient to support our experiment and the life support systems for the crew. This was pretty frustrating. We couldn't understand why we were just finding out about the power problems, since we had been preparing for the experiment for years!

A solution was found - a cable was located and attached to the SVET Greenhouse and then run across the hatch to an adjacent module. The cable is like a giant extension cord and it saved the day. Now the Greenhouse has power, (YEAH!!) and water is being added to the Root Module, in preparation for planting of the wheat seeds. The seed planting may have actually occurred today, 5 August, but we won't be sure until we hear about it through official channels.

This is the frustrating part of our work...there is an 11-hour time difference between Moscow and California...so it takes a while to get information. We are spending many hours on the telephone with our Russian and US scientists, trying to gain information and keep everyone up to date on the progress of the experiment. We are excited that the seeds have OR will be soon planted.

The next thing we will be looking for is seed germination in about a week after planting.