Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #31099: How Do Plants Grow in Space? Students Investigate on the ISS

When you think of gardening, you probably picture soil, sunlight, and water. But what happens when you take plants to space? That’s the question behind the University of the West of Scotland’s Plant Monitoring Investigation, part of the Mission Discovery series. Developed with ISSET, this project involved students designing a biology experiment to study plant responses in microgravity.

On Earth, gravity guides root growth and nutrient flow. In space, those cues disappear. By observing how plants grow aboard the ISS, this study helps researchers understand how future space farms could work—vital for long-duration missions to the Moon or Mars. During Expedition 68, sensors monitored plant physiology, providing data on how microgravity affects growth cycles, water absorption, and gene expression.

This project is a stellar example of blending education with critical research. Students don’t just learn—they contribute to solving real-world problems, from space travel to food sustainability.

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