Heliospectra, specialists in smart LED lighting systems for plant science and horticulture applications, has been chosen by the Institute of Space Systems, the Bremen site of the German Centre for Aerospace, DLR (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt), as supplier of lighting systems for an extensive research study.
This research initiative, EDEN (Evolution & Design of Environmentally-closed Nutrition sources), focuses on bioregenerative life support systems, especially greenhouse modules and technologies for future human habitats in remote locations in space (the Moon, Mars) and on Earth (Antarctica).
– One of our projects is to test a greenhouse module at the Neumayer Station III in Antarctica, where the winter team stays in total isolation for nine months in a row in a hostile environment. We want to find ways to meet the group’s needs when it comes to fresh fruits and vegetables but it will also enable us to study the psychological influence of plants on human isolation. Ultimately this analog test site will enable to generate good research data for future human space exploration and in extension human settlement in the solar system, says DLR research engineer Lucie Poulet.
Heliospectra recently launched the L4A Series 10 LED light system aimed at giving researchers an advanced tool for making new discoveries in the plant sciences. The collaboration with DLR is one of the first demonstrations of their system’s extensive capabilities.
– We have looked over the market and we feel that Heliospectra’s product is perfect for our research project as their system provides a wide variety of lighting options. It is also easy to gather information and to control the lighting system both on site and remotely. We will also work closely with Heliospectra during the course of the research to analyze if we can further develop the system, says Lucie Poulet.
This is an important partnership for Heliospectra, particularly because of the thorough market analysis that DLR carried out prior to selecting partner.
– This is a very exciting research project that we are proud to be a part of. Naturally, space travel is interesting in itself, but it is equally important for us to be involved in this project in order to demonstrate that our technology is the light system of choice for plant science research. We want to be a part of developing the plant growing opportunities of the future, whether it is here on earth or in space, says Christopher Steele, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Heliospectra.
About Heliospectra
Founded in 2006, Heliospectra specializes in smart LED lighting solutions for plant science and horticulture applications. Heliospectra’s products are based on a deep knowledge of plant physiology and photosynthesis as well as unique ways of utilizing modern LED technology. After six years of development in Sweden, the company is now moving briskly into international markets. The company has raised 6.4 million USD in venture funding and has received several awards for their forward-thinking technology. See more at www.heliospectra.com
