How can teenagers and astronauts grow plants together in orbit?
In short: To survive long journeys to Mars, astronauts must eventually become self-sufficient by growing their own food. The European Space Agency launched a project to test this, connecting students on Earth with astronaut Paolo Nespoli aboard the International Space Station to observe the life cycle of flowering plants.
The 'Greenhouse in Space' project, proposed by ESA's Directorate of Human Spaceflight, aims to bridge the gap between classroom science and orbital reality. Launched on 17 February 2011, the initiative invited schoolchildren aged 12 to 14 to participate in a synchronized experiment. While Paolo Nespoli managed a specially-developed greenhouse in the International Space Station's Columbus laboratory, students on the ground used similar mini-greenhouse kits to grow the same species of plant. This educational initiative launched simultaneously across four European locations, including Toulouse, Cologne, Frascati, and Lisbon. Through these connections, students could interact directly with Nespoli as he planted the initial seeds.
The chosen species for this experiment was thale cress (Arabidopsis thaliana). By observing the germination and growth cycle of these flowering plants over approximately 10 weeks, both the astronaut and the students could compare how life develops in microgravity versus Earth's gravity. This comparative study allows young scientists to witness the biological processes of a life cycle firsthand, through video recordings and still images shared by Nespoli.
Beyond the immediate scientific data, the project serves a vital strategic purpose for future space exploration. As missions move toward the Moon or Mars, the ability to produce fresh food onboard becomes essential for survival. Beyond nutrition, greenhouses offer critical psychological benefits, providing oxygen and a connection to Earth's greenery to combat the potential boredom and bleakness of long interplanetary cruises.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Greenhouse in Space - Paolo Nespoli launching the project at ISS
- Also: A greenhouse in space
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