SPACE EXPLORATION REQUIRES THE DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF BIOREGENERATIVE LIFE-SUPPORT SYSTEMS CAPABLE OF MAINTAINING BREATHABLE AIR CLEANING WATER AND PRODUCING FOOD AND FIBER DURING SPACE MISSIONS. PLANTS ARE EXPECTED TO PLAY KEY ROLES IN THESE LIFE-SUPPORT SYSTEMS. THEREFORE IT IS IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND THE EFFECTS THE MICROGRAVITY ENVIRONMENT HAS ON PLANTS TO ALLOW THE DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF BETTER LIFE-SUPPORT SYSTEMS FOR SPACE EXPLORATION. THIS PROJECT MAY ALSO HAVE IMPORTANT APPLICATIONS IN AGRICULTURE FOR CROP PRODUCTION ON MARGINAL LANDS.