Photosynthesis Experiment and System Testing and Operation (PESTO)

When Space Shuttle Atlantis launches from KSC on mission STS-110, April 4, it will carry more than seven astronauts and hardware bound for the International Space Station. KSC's most complex plant experiment, PESTO (Photosynthesis Experiment and System Testing and Operation) also will make the trek to the Station.

The PESTO experiment will travel in a Biomass Production System (BPS) inside Atlantis' crew compartment during flight. The BPS is an engineering development unit for a future ISS plant habitat capable of supporting long-term plant growth and botanical experimentation in space. The BPS was developed for NASA by Orbital Technologies Corp.