Exploration of plant growth and development using the E uropean M odular C ultivation S ystem facility on the I nternational S pace S tation

Space experiments provide a unique opportunity to advance our knowledge of how plants respond to the space environment, and specifically to the absence of gravity. The E uropean M odular C ultivation S ystem ( EMCS ) has been designed as a dedicated facility to improve and standardise plant growth in the I nternational S pace S tation ( ISS ). The EMCS is equipped with two centrifuges to perform experiments in microgravity and with variable gravity levels up to 2.0  g . Seven experiments have been performed since the EMCS was operational on the ISS . The objectives of these experiments aimed to elucidate phototropic responses (experiments TROPI ‐1 and ‐2), root gravitropic sensing ( GRAVI ‐1), circumnutation ( MULTIGEN ‐1), cell wall dynamics and gravity resistance ( C ell wall/ R esist wall), proteomic identification of signalling players ( GENARA ‐ A ) and mechanism of Ins P 3 signalling ( P lant signalling). The role of light in cell proliferation and plant development in the absence of gravity is being analysed in an on‐going experiment ( S eedling growth). Based on the lessons learned from the acquired experience, three preselected ISS experiments have been merged and implemented as a single project ( P lant development) to study early phases of seedling development. A T opical Team initiated by E uropean S pace A gency ( ESA ), involving experienced scientists on A rabidopsis space research experiments, aims at establishing a coordinated, long‐term scientific strategy to understand the role of gravity in A rabidopsis growth and development using already existing or planned new hardware.