We read about plants being grown on the International Space Station (ISS) earlier.

Recently, NASA astronaut Mike Hopkins also conducted the first plant transplant on the ISS.

The plants on the ISS are grown on the Vegetable Production System (Veggie). This is an experiment being conducted by NASA to find out how to grow crops in space. This is especially important for future longer missions in space (like going to Mars).

How did he do it?

Astronaut Mike was looking after different varieties of mustards and lettuces when he noticed that the mustard plants were growing well in one patch. But some lettuce plants in another patch were not doing well.

So, he transplanted some sprouts from the patch where the plants were healthy to the other. This technique is risky on Earth when the plants at this delicate stage. But, on the ISS, it was successful. Scientists said that the very weak gravity in space helped them survive.

The transplants – ‘Red Russian’ kale and ‘Extra Dwarf’ pak choi – are surviving and growing well and so are the original plants. The astronauts will harvest and eat them on 2 February.

 

There are many more interesting news articles and information on space for all you kids. We have news and stories on stars, telescopes, galaxies, planets, exoplanets, black holes and much more. Or how about learning more about NASA or the International Space Station? Keep reading our space news for children on Curious Times. 

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