Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #31272: From Seed to Sip: Malting Barley in Space with ABI Voyager

When you think of space experiments, brewing beer probably isn't the first thing that comes to mind. Yet, the Malting ABI Voyager Barley Seeds in Microgravity experiment represents a crucial intersection of food science, agriculture, and sustainability. Led by Dr. Gary Hanning of Anheuser-Busch InBev and supported by Space Tango, this study explores how barley—the key grain in beer production—responds to the unique environment of space.

Barley is not just a brewing ingredient; it's a major cereal crop that provides essential nutrients and has vast applications in food and beverages. Understanding how barley behaves in space has implications for future long-duration space missions, where astronauts may need to grow and process their own food.

In this experiment, barley seeds were sent to the ISS, where they underwent the malting process—a controlled germination that prepares the grain for brewing. Scientists monitored how microgravity influenced germination rates, enzyme activity, and other biochemical factors critical to producing high-quality malt.

Early findings suggest that microgravity affects the rate and uniformity of germination. These insights help researchers understand how to adapt agricultural practices for space, including the design of growth chambers, lighting conditions, and nutrient delivery systems. It also opens up new avenues for studying plant stress responses and metabolic changes under low-gravity conditions.

From a commercial perspective, the experiment showcases how space research can intersect with consumer industries. It’s a prime example of public-private collaboration, where science and business come together to solve real-world problems. Anheuser-Busch’s interest in space-grown barley goes beyond novelty—it's about securing sustainable, scalable agricultural solutions for a changing planet.

Ultimately, the Malting ABI Voyager experiment is not about brewing beer in space. It’s about understanding how vital crops can be cultivated in extreme environments, supporting human life wherever we choose to explore.

Join the Agnirva Space Internship Program

Get certified with over 100 hours of immersive, self-paced learning in astronomy, cosmology, space technology, and climate science through the Agnirva Space Internship Program. Join, complete virtual projects, and earn a digital certificate to showcase your space fluency in interviews, resumes, and beyond.