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In an exciting collaboration with NASA and Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, students in Australia are taking part in the Growing Beyond Earth program, which aims to test the suitability of certain plants for future space missions. Led by the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, the initiative aligns with the Australian curriculum and provides students with a unique introduction to gardening through the lens of science.

The ultimate goal of the initiative is to establish space gardens capable of providing fresh, edible plants for astronauts on long-term missions. Currently, astronauts on the International Space Station rely on pre-packaged food that is frequently resupplied. However, as humans look to establish a long-term presence on the Moon and eventually send astronauts to Mars, the need for sustainable food sources becomes increasingly essential for astronaut health and well-being.

The Growing Beyond Earth program involves students building their own “growth habitats” inside purpose-built grow boxes resembling large microwaves, equipped with LED lights and sensors. In these controlled environments, students plant the seeds of various plants, monitoring their growth and water usage and taking note of factors such as size, color, and fitness.

The initial plant selected for testing is a leafy green called misome, which has proven to thrive on both Earth and in space. As the program progresses, students have the opportunity to experiment with different plant types, broadening the range of greenery that may be suitable for future space missions.

This educational initiative not only supports the Australian curriculum but also provides students with hands-on experience in conducting their own experiments, honing their critical thinking, problem-solving, and scientific skills. Moreover, it fosters a connection with nature, building upon studies that highlight the positive effects of nature on well-being and academic achievement.

As the Growing Beyond Earth program continues to expand globally, its impact on student attitudes towards gardening, conservation, and food will be assessed. Early surveys indicate that students involved in the program display increased knowledge and confidence in STEM topics and related careers. This suggests that these students may play crucial roles in the future development of crop production systems for space missions and contribute to the design of space plants that will sustain astronauts on their journeys beyond Earth.

Sources:
– Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria
– Jacqui Martin, Shutterstock

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