this post was submitted on 01 Nov 2023
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Astronomy
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Massive TLDR:
“Eventually, it was reported that the sprouted plants had died, that the potatoes failed to sprout, and that the fruit flies failed to hatch. The total run time for the experiment was nine days instead of the planned 100.”
An important addition to that may explain why: The lunar night approached -150° C and the experiment failed to keep the steady 24° C that it was supposed to maintain, so the plants died. I don't think it was because growing plants on the moon is intrinsically impossible.
I also wonder how they expected 18 mL of water to last more than a few days anyway. Perhaps someone smarter than me can answer that.
2 week long nights will kill any plant, at least down to the roots. 2 week long days will kill most. Can't garden on moon. Not without grow lights. Maintaining temperature isn't enough.