Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #32291: Growing Green in Space: Testing Nutrients and Endophytes in Orbit

Growing food in space is one of the biggest challenges for future Mars and Moon missions. Valley Christian High School tackled this by experimenting with BAM-FX, a nutrient-rich solution, and beneficial microbes called endophytes aboard the ISS.

Plants on Earth rely on gravity for root orientation and water distribution. In space, those factors change dramatically. By using BAM-FX and endophytes—which help plants absorb nutrients and resist stress—the students tested whether these enhancements could boost plant growth even without gravity.

This experiment not only adds to our understanding of space agriculture but also supports food sustainability on Earth, especially in extreme environments. If we can grow healthier, faster plants in space, we can improve farming everywhere.

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