Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #32633: Growing Greens in Space: How Veggie PONDS Revolutionizes Space Farming

In the microgravity environment of the International Space Station (ISS), growing fresh food isn't just a luxury—it’s a mission-critical challenge. The Veggie PONDS (Passive Orbital Nutrient Delivery System) experiment brings innovative agricultural techniques to space, addressing how astronauts can grow leafy greens efficiently on long missions. Managed by NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, this study tests passive watering systems that use capillary action instead of pumps, providing a more reliable and low-maintenance way to nourish plants.

Through multiple expeditions from 55/56 through 66, researchers evaluated various nutrient delivery strategies to determine which systems provide the most consistent and healthy plant growth in orbit. The PONDS system is built to minimize crew time and reduce system failures, making it a significant step toward sustainable food production in space.

Data gathered not only supports future long-duration missions to the Moon and Mars but also has applications back on Earth—especially in regions where traditional farming is difficult. By understanding plant behavior in space, we can enhance agricultural efficiency and resilience globally.

Join the Agnirva Space Internship Program to dive into plant biology, space engineering, and sustainability studies.

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.