ISRO Grows Plants in Space: A Green Breakthrough Beyond Earth

In a landmark moment for Indian space science and sustainability in extraterrestrial environments, the Indian Space Research Organisation, ISRO grows plants in space successfully. This achievement marks a major milestone in the journey toward human deep-space exploration and highlights India’s growing capabilities in space biology and life sciences.

As humanity plans long-duration missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond, the ability to grow food and recycle air on spacecraft or other celestial bodies becomes critical. ISRO’s experiment demonstrates that India is not only part of this future — it’s actively shaping it.

🌱 Mission Overview: ISRO Grows Plants in Space

In December 2024, ISRO launched a compact biological research payload aboard the PSLV-C60 ISRO mission. The payload, called CROPS (Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies), was a self-contained mini greenhouse designed to test the feasibility of plant germination and early growth under microgravity conditions.

🔹 Key Details:

• Launched on: PSLV-C60 (Dec 2024)

• Module name: CROPS

• Experiment duration: 10 days in Low Earth Orbit

• Plant species: Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) – selected for fast growth and hardiness

• Objective: Study seed germination, root orientation, and photosynthesis under zero gravity

🧪 Why Cowpea?

The cowpea plant was chosen for several reasons:

• It is fast-germinating – visible growth within 48–72 hours

• Nutrient-rich and high in protein

• Well-studied in terrestrial agriculture

• Suitable for closed-loop life support systems

This made it an ideal candidate for space-based trials. The plant’s ability to adapt to changing conditions also mimics what future space crops would need to endure on Moon or Mars bases.

🛰️ Inside the CROPS Module: Engineering a Miniature Space Farm

The CROPS module ISRO was a closed, self-sustaining ecosystem — a palm-sized space greenhouse built with precision engineering:

• Temperature Control: 22–26°C optimal for germination

• Humidity: Regulated to mimic Earth-like moisture

• Lighting: Full-spectrum LEDs for photosynthesis

• Camera and Sensor Systems: Live imaging and environmental monitoring

The seeds were hydrated remotely using microfluidic nozzles, and within four days of orbital exposure, germination was observed — a direct indicator of plant viability in space.

🌍 Why Growing Plants in Space Matters

Growing plants in space isn’t just about science — it’s about survival.

As we plan missions to Mars, which may last 18–36 months, astronauts cannot rely solely on packed food. Growing crops in orbit or on planetary surfaces will provide:

• Fresh, nutritious food

• Oxygen through photosynthesis

• Psychological comfort from greenery in isolated environments

• CO₂ absorption, improving cabin air quality

ISRO’s successful experiment brings this one step closer to reality.

🌌 India’s Role in Space Farming: Joining the Global League

ISRO’s plant-growing experiment places India alongside global leaders like NASA, ESA, and Roscosmos, who have conducted similar tests on the International Space Station (ISS).

However, ISRO’s experiment stands out due to:

• Low-cost, compact design

• Indigenous development of all sensors and systems

• Adaptability for future Gaganyaan and lunar missions

“This isn’t just about seeds in space. It’s about sowing the future of space survival.” — said a senior ISRO life sciences researcher.

📊 Scientific Outcomes and Data Insights

✔️ Key Findings:

• Successful seed germination in microgravity

• Development of primary leaves (cotyledons) within 96 hours

• Root and stem orientation showed early signs of adapting to zero gravity

• Plant Oxygen production in orbit detected via on-board gas sensors

🔍 Data Summary: ISRO space plant experiment data

This experiment provides baseline data for future trials involving larger plant species, including leafy greens, tomatoes, and even medicinal plants.

🧬 Future Implications: What’s Next for ISRO?

Following the success of the CROPS module, ISRO is planning:

• Larger biocapsules for full plant growth cycles

• Plant trials aboard Gaganyaan human spaceflight missions

• Collaboration with agricultural and biotech institutions to engineer space-resilient crops

• Integration into long-duration lunar missions under India’s Chandrayaan and LUPEX programs

🌿 Conclusion: A Seed of Hope in Space

ISRO’s experiment is more than a scientific achievement — it’s a symbol of India’s leap into sustainable space exploration. As climate change intensifies and interplanetary travel becomes real, innovations like these hold the key to our future.

Growing plant in space isn’t just about botany — it’s about learning to thrive beyond Earth.