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06-15-2004, 05:08 AM
<font size=3>SPACE FLIGHT FOR FRUIT </font>
A British farmer is working with NASA to develop strawberries that could grow on Mars, it has emerged.
Peter Vinson's family fruit firm may supply a plant for astronauts to grow during a two-year voyage to the Red Planet.
The fruit - already dubbed 'Marsberries' - would then also be grown on any base that was set up on Mars, according to Mr Vinson.
"They've decided that they need to supplement the fruit and vegetables they take with them on the voyage," he said.
"They want a plant that can cope with harsh conditions in space, and will bear fruit for a long time."
Scientists believe European fruit may be suited to the task because it is more used to low lighting than that grown in California and Florida.
More on this Story (http://www.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,31500-13125673,00.html)
A British farmer is working with NASA to develop strawberries that could grow on Mars, it has emerged.
Peter Vinson's family fruit firm may supply a plant for astronauts to grow during a two-year voyage to the Red Planet.
The fruit - already dubbed 'Marsberries' - would then also be grown on any base that was set up on Mars, according to Mr Vinson.
"They've decided that they need to supplement the fruit and vegetables they take with them on the voyage," he said.
"They want a plant that can cope with harsh conditions in space, and will bear fruit for a long time."
Scientists believe European fruit may be suited to the task because it is more used to low lighting than that grown in California and Florida.
More on this Story (http://www.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,31500-13125673,00.html)