Jatropha Biofuel Experiment Takes Place in Space

The International Space Station is the host site for a new alternative energy biofuel source-based experiment that could result in a production rate boost. The aim of the scientists involved is to assess the impact of altered gravity on oil-producing plants called jatrophas in terms of being able to produce fuel from biological matter.

Jatropha is already associated with biofuel production and is thought of as a key substance in this regard.

Jatropha: Renewable Energy

Through assessing how microgravity impacts on Jatropha plant cells, the scientists hope to gain insight into potential future renewable energy applications for them.

The lead scientist involved in National Lab Pathfinder-Cells 3 – the project’s name – is the University of Florida’s Wagner Vendrame.

“As the search for alternate energy sources has become a top priority, the results from this study could add value for commercialization of a new product”, he said. “Our goal is to verify if microgravity will induce any significant changes in the cells that could affect plant growth and development back on Earth.”

Jatropha Biofuel

The jatropha biofuel cells left Earth in February as part of the NASA space shuttle Endeavour’s mission. They will remain on the International Space Station for two months, until the next time Endeavour makes contact with it.

“Watching the space shuttle go up carrying a little piece of my work is an indescribable experience” Vendrame added. “Knowing that my experiment could contribute to creating a sustainable means for biofuel production on Earth, and therefore making this a better world adds special value to the work.”

A little over 12 months ago, Air New Zealand carried out a pioneering alternative fuel flight in which jatropha formed part of the power source. Along with algae, jatropha is considered a viable sustainable fuel source for future energy needs. One issue associated with it, however, is the amount of water needed to grow it, which surpasses the amount needed by other crops like corn many times over.