Join the New Zealand Astrobiology Network to learn how seeds grow in space on the International Space Station.

Grow plants


 
like an astronaut

Join us in an out-of-this-world experiment as we explore the effect of microgravity on plants. This is your chance to grow seeds in concert with astronauts aboard the International Space Station!

in 2021

.

#SeedsinSpaceNZ

Overview

In 2021, astronauts aboard the International Space Station are undertaking a plant-growth experiment with basil seeds. 

The Japanese Space Agency (JAXA) has sent us some seeds from the exact same batch as those being flown into space, to give you a chance to perform your own experiments here on Earth. 

Grow your own ‘space seeds’ and compare the differences. 

How do seeds grow in space?

How does gravity affect seeds grown on Earth?

Follow along as the astronauts tend to the seeds on the ISS – and spot the differences and similarities with your own seeds’ growth. 

 

Send us your results by 20th of September 5PM and win a portable planetarium visit

The results from the ISS will return to Earth in July and will be analysed in Japan.
Following requests from teachers who wanted to compare the results on Earth with the results from the ISS
we decided to extend the date for submitting your posters and results. 

You have 

to finish your project.

Your results will be judged by the NZAN board. 

Our partners

This programme has been made possible thanks to JAXA and Kibo-ABC and is supported by the New Zealand Space Agency.

General Information

About the Seeds in Space Programme

 

The following links are provided by the 

Japanese Space Agency, JAXA

Learn why we grow seeds in space and what you need to do at your school.

These links will open on the Japanese Space Agency website. 
  1. The significance of growing herbs in space
  2. Scent of herbs
  3. How to grow Sweet Basil
  4. Let’s experiment with Herb‼

Timeline

 

TBD July JAXA researchers will analyse the data and communicate the findings. 
July 2021 The seeds return to Earth from the ISS
16 February to 18 March, 2021 Space experiment was conducted in the Kibo module by the Japanese astronaut Soichi NOGUCHI.
Click here for the link to the photos on JAXA’s website. 
December 7, 2020 The seeds were launched to the ISS/Kibo on SpX-21
October 2020 The seeds were shipped from JAXA to NASA 
Until September 2020 Space Seeds were prepared to be sent to the ISS. 


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