Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #32629: Salad in Space: Building a Fresh Food Future on the ISS

Astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) are learning that growing fresh vegetables in space isn’t just possible—it’s becoming essential. The second phase of NASA’s “Pick-and-eat Salad-crop” experiment continued to assess how salad greens like lettuce and mustard thrive in zero gravity and whether they can be a reliable food source during long-duration missions.

This study built on prior research, adding new crop varieties and refining growing techniques. Using the Veggie growth chamber, astronauts monitored plant development, managed nutrient solutions, and harvested leaves for both consumption and scientific analysis.

The key goals were:

- To optimize plant yield and resilience in a microgravity environment.

- To analyze whether the nutrient content changes in space-grown crops.

- To confirm that astronauts enjoy the taste and appearance of these vegetables, supporting their mental well-being.

The second installment saw improvements in yield and shelf life. Moreover, microbiological testing revealed that, with proper hygiene and monitoring, the crops remained safe to eat.

These findings push humanity one step closer to sustainable life support systems in space. Whether it’s lunar bases or Mars colonies, space salad could be on the menu.

Join the Agnirva Space Internship Program

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.