Cube of Life

Our system aims to solve the problem of the astronauts constantly needing to water the plants manually. Using a cubic design optimizes the spacing of each of our variables and gives the plants enough room to grow without imposing issues. The system allows the water to dispense on a timer, rather than needing to water them manually every few hours.

• Plastic Glass
• Silicone
• 2 Timers
• Tubes
• Rockwool Cubes
• Automatic water pump with pressure switch
• Electric Fan
• 2 Red LED Strips
• 2 Blue LED Strips
• 1 Green LED Strip

1. Incorporate 2 shelving units to fit more plants.
2. 2 Perforated tubing connected to the reservoir to water plants evenly.
3. Water release runs on a timer, watering the plants with the required amount every few hours.
4. Pressurized electric water pump to push water through the tubes and into the rockwool.
5. Electric fan on a timer to regulate humidity.
6. Purple hued LED strip lights on the corners of the system. Additional green LEDs on the sides.

Similar to a hydroponic system, the lettuce is placed in separate rockwool cubes. The medium itself needs to be soaked in a condition solution that has a pH of 5.5, which then lowers the pH of the rockwool cubes to about 6.0. While the cubes are absorbent, the water runoff shouldn’t exceed more than 30%.

The Dimensions

50x50 box

12 cm of LED strip lights

Height of 15 cm for water

Height of 17.5 cm for each shelf (35 cm for two shelves together)