Cape Canaveral, Florida
May 29, 2002
In the first space
experiment of its kind, DuPont
(NYSE: DD) tomorrow will begin space exploration designed to
discover new scientific research about one of the most consumed
crops in the world today
-- soybeans.
Continuing its extensive history with NASA, DuPont has partnered
with the Wisconsin Center for Space Automation and Robotics
(WCSAR) -- a NASA Commercial Space Center at the University of
Wisconsin-Madison -- to conduct an unprecedented exploration of
soybean development by launching and growing soybean plants in
space during NASA's space shuttle flight scheduled for takeoff
Thursday, May 30.
The research will determine whether plants grow differently in
space and examine the effects of zero-gravity on plant growth
and development. The soybeans-in-space launch is the first
initiative to grow a complete soybean crop in space -- from
planting the seed to harvesting the grain. DuPont subsidiary,
Pioneer Hi-Bred International,
Inc., and WCSAR will study the harvested seed from soybean
plants grown in space to find out if they have improved oil,
protein, carbohydrates or secondary metabolites that could
benefit farmers and consumers.
According to the United Soybean Board, soybeans are the largest
single source of protein meal and vegetable oil in the human
diet. Domestically, soybeans provide 80 percent of the edible
consumption of fats and oils in the United States. In 2000, 54
percent of the world's soybean trade originated from the United
States with soybean and product exports totaling more than $6.6
billion. The world's largest seed company, Pioneer, is the brand
leader in soybeans with more than 100 product varieties on the
market.
As part of the initiative, scientists will plant Pioneer-brand
soybean seeds in a specialized tray within a growth chamber
developed by WCSAR. The chamber will be delivered to the
International Space Station (ISS) from the space shuttle flight.
During the 70-day experiment, the soybean plants will germinate,
grow and produce seeds. Scientists will monitor the process via
video and data sent from the space station.
The plants and harvested grain will be returned to Earth this
summer by the Space Shuttle Atlantis. Seeds exhibiting unique
and desirable qualities will be planted by Pioneer researchers
to determine if the traits can be inherited in future
generations. Pioneer will identify the genetics of those traits
and use that information to further improve the soybeans'
efficiency and profitability for farmers.
DuPont, which marks its 200th anniversary in July, has a long
history of space initiatives, dating back to NASA's origination
33 years ago. For example, when Neil Armstrong walked on the
moon in 1969, he wore 25 separate layers -- 23 of those layers
were DuPont materials. In 1984, Pioneer corn seeds were on board
a Challenger shuttle launch. The seeds, which were not planted
while in space, were used in science-based initiatives after
returning to Earth.
"For 200 years, innovation has been the cornerstone of DuPont,"
said Dr. Thomas M. Connelly, Chief Science and Technology
Officer for DuPont. "As a science company, we realize that
future opportunities don't always come where you found your last
opportunities. The discovery process often requires exploring in
new areas -- like soybeans growing in space -- to unleash the
next wave of innovation."
"This is an incredible scientific opportunity for us and our
partners," said Dr. Tom Corbin, DuPont researcher on the
project. "Studying the effects of soybean plants grown in space
will help us expand our knowledge of soybeans and facilitate
continued improvement of soybean germplasm for farmers."
The joint initiative builds on ADVANCED ASTROCULTURE(TM)
technologies developed by WCSAR that have proven successful in
growing other plants in space. ASTROCULTURE(TM) controls the
input of variables and conditions necessary for plant growth
such as temperature, water, humidity, light, atmospheric
conditions and nutrients.
"This program also provides an exciting opportunity for students
throughout the world to learn more about the future of basic
plant growth through an educational outreach program called
Space Explorers, Inc.," Corbin said.
Space Explorers, Inc., will facilitate an information exchange
between K-12 students throughout the U.S. and the ISS. As
students grow their own soybean plants in the classroom, they
will compare their results to those of the plants growing
simultaneously in space. Students will have the opportunity to
view and monitor the actual payloads on the ISS, chat with
program scientists and share information with other schools
through an online database. A privately held company based in
Green Bay, Wis., Space Explorers, Inc., has a mission of
providing innovative, standards-based education programs
delivered via the Internet in order to educate the public about
the science of space.
WCSAR makes space available to industry in the interest of
development and commercialization of new products and processes.
It provides controlled environment technologies and facilities,
plant genetic transformation technologies, enhanced biosynthesis
technologies, as well as robotic and automated technologies.
During 2002, DuPont is celebrating its 200th year of
scientific achievement and innovation -- providing products and
services that improve the lives of people everywhere. Based in
Wilmington, Del., DuPont delivers science-based solutions for
markets that make a difference in people's lives in food and
nutrition; health care; apparel; home and construction;
electronics; and transportation. Pioneer Hi-Bred International,
Inc., a subsidiary of DuPont, is the world's leading source of
customized solutions for farmers, livestock producers, and grain
and oilseed processors. With headquarters in Des Moines, Iowa,
Pioneer provides access to advanced plant genetics, crop
protection solutions and quality crop systems to customers
in nearly 70 countries.
ADVANCED ASTROCULTURE(TM) is
a trademark of the Wisconsin Center for Space Automation and
Robotics.
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