Longer duration space flight will require ways to produce food in orbit. In order to obtain a better understanding of plant growth in space, a viable energy source was necessary. A light emitting diode (LED) photon source was developed and flown on seven Space Shuttle missions. As a result of this ground-breaking research, industry and academia are collaborating on developing new uses for the LED light sources. One important use is as the activator for drugs that are used to treat brain tumors. Another possible application may be for skin cancers and for possible use in space to accelerate wound healing.
