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!
Overview
Late Aug/Sep astronauts aboard the International Space Station will be undertaking a plant-growth experiment with Azuki Bean 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.
General Information
Timeline
Jul 2013:
Seeds available for ordering!
Aug 2013:
Seeds fly up to ISS in ATV4 Current launch target: 4 Aug
Late-Aug/Sep 2013:
School Experiments
In-Space Experiment
Updates
July 5: Students from the from Osaka City University pretreated and planted the seeds in rockwool blocks, at the Tsukuba Space Center in Japan. JAXA engineers then assembled the components into the final flight configuration.
The kit will be transferred to Tanegashima Space Center on July 15th and be turned over to the HTV launch team after final inspection.
Partners
This program has been made possible thanks to JAXA and Kibo-ABC.