ISRO Makes History: Successfully Grows Crops in Space, See the Incredible Photos!

Chennai (The Uttam Hindu): – The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has made significant strides in space research, successfully completing two groundbreaking experiments — growing crops in space and advancing space robotics. These achievements were part of the SPADEx space docking technology mission, launched on December 31, 2024, aboard PSLV-C60.

One of the key highlights of the mission was the crop growth experiment, where lobia seeds planted in space germinated in just four days, exceeding the initial expectation of seven days. The experiment aimed to study plant growth in zero gravity, a critical step toward ensuring self-sufficiency for long-term space missions, such as establishing human colonies on Mars or the Moon. ISRO scientists are hopeful that the growth of leaves will follow soon.

Additionally, the mission featured a demonstration of robotic technology with a robotic arm onboard POEM-4. This marks a significant achievement under the 'Make in India' initiative, showcasing India’s capabilities in space robotics. PSLV-C60 also carried two SPADEx satellites, Charger and Target, both weighing 220 kilograms. The objective of the mission was to demonstrate space docking technology, with the docking of these satellites scheduled for January 7, 2025.

These successful experiments are a testament to ISRO’s growing expertise in space technology and are expected to contribute significantly to the advancement of India’s space program. The achievements align with ISRO's mission to enhance its technical capabilities, furthering India's leadership in space science and exploration.