ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Space is the final frontier, but we don’t usually think of tomatoes going along for the journey.
Tomatoes will be going into space as a part of the Trichoderma Associated Space Tomato Inoculation Experiment (TASTIE).
University of New Mexico Professor of Biology David Hanson said nutrition is a big issue for astronauts. He said they like the earthly connection of the plants, and it is also a big boost to their mental space.
Who has the best cinnamon roll in New Mexico?
The biggest hurdle will be overcoming the absence of gravity since the plants’ roots grow directionally.
The International Space Station will be sending back data on the plants’ conditions in an attempt to replicate those growing conditions back here on planet Earth.
If they can mirror each other, it will be a giant leap towards growing real food in space!
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.