ADEQUATE SUBSTRATE MOISTENING SYSTEM AND ARTIFICIAL LIGHTING FOR THE GROWTH OF HIGHER-PLANTS IN THE SVET SPACE GREENHOUSE

The paper reports on some technical and technological problems that oc curred during the ''Substrate'' space experiment conducted in 1985 and the ''Svet'' experiment conducted in 1990. This experience served as a basis for improvements of the systems for future use in space flight s. Some technical and technological problems had to be solved in the c ourse of development of the Vegetation Module (VM) and Illumination Un it (IU) such as free motion of the substrate granules, process of self -cooling in the VM, insulation of the air space between VM and IU. The purpose of reported technical improvements of the system is to enhanc e plant productivity during future space flights.