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A Bold Experiment Beyond Earth
On June 23, scientists embarked on a groundbreaking mission, sending hundreds of seeds, fungi, algae, and human DNA samples aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base. Among the samples were approximately 150 cannabis seeds, carefully curated by the research team led by Božidar Radišič. Their goal? To determine whether these resilient plants can adapt to the harsher conditions of space—a precursor to growing crops on other planets.
The Science Behind the Seeds
The cannabis seeds were placed in a biological incubator, MayaSat-1, designed by the Genoplant Research Institute. As they orbited Earth at over 500 kilometers high, they encountered radiation levels vastly more intense than those found at the equator, which poses unique challenges to biological systems. This mission, expected to last about three hours and complete three orbits, aims to provide vital insights into how plants react to high radiation.
Why Cannabis?
Radišič calls cannabis an "ideal candidate" for space agriculture, emphasizing its rapid growth, adaptability, and historical significance as a staple crop. Beyond its potential use for recreational or medicinal purposes, cannabis could serve crucial roles in life-support systems, contributing to oxygen production and food supply for future space colonies.
The Future of Space Gardening
This mission underscores the growing interest in sustainable agriculture beyond our planet. As humanity looks toward Martian and lunar colonies, understanding how to cultivate plants in extreme environments is more vital than ever. Cannabis is just one of many candidates that could stand at the forefront of interplanetary agriculture, with researchers eager to see what the results reveal.
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