Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #32531: Growing Better Cotton in Space: Agricultural Innovation Aboard the ISS

What happens when you grow cotton in space? The 'Targeting Improved Cotton Through On-orbit Cultivation' experiment aimed to answer just that. Overseen by Dr. Simon Gilroy and his team at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, this experiment used the International Space Station to explore how cotton plants grow in microgravity — and how we can use that knowledge to improve cotton varieties back on Earth.

Plants rely on gravity to direct root and stem growth, but in space, they must depend more heavily on light and internal signals. This experiment examined the genetic and molecular responses of cotton plants under spaceflight conditions. By studying their behavior in orbit, scientists hoped to identify key traits that lead to better water efficiency, pest resistance, and fiber quality.

The practical goal? To develop cotton that requires less water and fewer pesticides, making agriculture more sustainable. Since cotton is a water-intensive crop, this research is crucial in the face of global water scarcity and environmental degradation.

Space-based agriculture experiments like this one don't just help astronauts — they also empower farmers and researchers back on Earth. Cotton might not grow in space fields any time soon, but the insights gained could yield big benefits down here.

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