“Getting a tan while growing lettuce,” stated astronaut Steve Swanson about this image, which was taken aboard the International space Station. Swanson was tending to the Vegetable Production System (Veggie), which is a newly installed plant growth unit capable of producing salad-type crops to provide the crew with a palatable, nutritious, and safe source of fresh food and a tool to support relaxation and recreation. The Veggie provides lighting and nutrient delivery, but utilizes the cabin environment for temperature control and as a source of carbon dioxide to promote growth. Image Credit: NASA #nasa #nasajsc #spacestation #internationalspacestation #explore #exploration #spacegram #exp39 #garden #iss #exp40 #science #swanny