Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #32254: Can Cacti Clean the Air in Space? Exploring CO2 Removal with Succulents

Cacti might be known for thriving in deserts, but aboard the ISS during Expeditions 51/52, they were part of a groundbreaking study on carbon dioxide removal in space. The experiment, led by Principal Investigator Gentry Barnett and developed by Space Tango, investigated how the unique physiology of cactus plants might help manage CO2 levels in a microgravity environment. On Earth, plants help regulate carbon dioxide through photosynthesis, but in space, things get tricky. Gravity affects how gases move and how plants grow, which could influence their ability to clean the air. The research explored whether cacti’s specialized adaptations—like crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM), which allows them to photosynthesize more efficiently—could be harnessed aboard spacecraft. This could pave the way for sustainable life support systems on long-term missions, making plants not just food sources but also key environmental managers. The results hold promise for building closed-loop life systems where astronauts can rely on nature’s own technology to breathe easier.

Get certified with over 100 hours of immersive, self-paced learning in 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.