Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #31697: Growing Healthy Greens in Space: Zinc-Enriched Broccoli on the ISS

Imagine growing nutritious vegetables in space that are even healthier than those on Earth. That’s the vision behind Valley Christian High School’s project on BAM-FX—a mineral nutrient solution designed to enhance plant growth and zinc biofortification. Conducted aboard the ISS during Expeditions 49/50 and 51/52, this experiment focused on broccoli seed germination and growth in microgravity.

BAM-FX contains ionic zinc and other trace elements that promote healthy plant development. The goal was to see if plants treated with BAM-FX could germinate more successfully, grow faster, and accumulate more zinc—an essential nutrient for immune function and development. In space, where fresh produce is limited, this research could lead to sustainable agricultural practices for astronauts.

The experiment showed promising results: seeds treated with BAM-FX germinated effectively, and the plants showed enhanced growth and mineral uptake. This proves that even in microgravity, with the right nutrients, we can cultivate crops that meet the nutritional demands of long-duration space missions.

For students, this was more than just a science project. It was a mission to understand how we can support life beyond Earth. Their work contributes to the future of space farming and offers a glimpse into how young minds can solve some of the biggest challenges in space exploration.

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