South Pole Growth Chamber

Despite regular temperatures below negative 100 degrees Fahrenheit and six months of total darkness, plant life still finds a way to thrive at the South Pole, thanks to this growth chamber. This hydroponic greenhouse was started in hopes that it could help astronauts learn about growing food on the moon or Mars. Now maintained by scientists and support staff volunteering in their free time, the Growth Chamber can provide South Pole residents with cucumbers, peppers, spinach, tomatoes, and other produce.

South Pole Station closes for nine months out of the year, making the Growth Chamber the only source of fresh food for the 40 staff that stay behind. At peak production, it can provide up to two servings of fruits and veggies per day, per person.

The Growth Chamber is also a beloved lounge for staff looking for a change of scenery. Although the station has near zero percent humidity, the greenhouse is kept at a balmy 70 percent, making it the only place on station to escape the extreme dry of the polar region.