Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #31611: Growing Green in Zero-G: How Plants Thrive Without Electric Fields

Can plants grow normally in space without the help of Earth-like conditions or even electric fields? Students from Modesto High School and Valley Christian High School explored this question in their ISS experiment: The Effect of Microgravity on Plant Growth Without a High Voltage Electric Field.

Electric fields are known to influence plant growth. They can affect root orientation, nutrient uptake, and even cellular behavior. But in microgravity, the usual directional cues are already disrupted. This experiment sought to isolate the influence of electric fields—or the lack thereof—on plant development in space.

By removing both gravity and electric stimulation, the students created a unique setup to observe how plants would behave. Seeds were planted and grown aboard the ISS during Expeditions 47/48, and the results were compared to Earth-based controls.

The outcome? Space-grown plants without electric fields still sprouted, but their growth patterns were unpredictable. Roots and shoots didn’t follow expected directions. Some grew in spirals; others in disoriented clusters. However, photosynthesis continued effectively, and the plants reached viable maturity.

This experiment is vital for future space farming. It suggests that while electric fields and gravity guide plant orientation, they are not absolutely necessary for survival. Plants can adapt and grow even under the most alien conditions.

Through this research, students demonstrated that innovation doesn't require a PhD—just a good question, a creative experiment, and a mission beyond Earth.

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.