How do you grow tomatoes in space? And why would you do that?

How do you grow tomatoes in space? German engineers are leading the way, as Dr Gerd Gruppe from the German Centre for Aviation and Space Exploration (DLR) in Bonn explains. He's currently in Adelaide for the 68th International Astronautical Congress (IAC).

Dr. Gerd Gruppe ist beim DLR für das Raumfahrtmanagement zuständig Source: DLR

Bacteria, algae, tomato seeds and urine are all the ingredients you need to successfully grow tomatoes in space - or so it seems. Dr Gerd Gruppe explains how and why it's done, and also talks about another pet project of his DLR: Modular satellites, which can be built in space without having to launch them from Earth - a huge cost saving.

Auch dieses Exponat an der IAC in Adelaide ist "Made in Germany": Eine Art "Maulwurf", der das Marsinnere untersuchen wird Source: DLR