Kerala Agri University’s space seed experiment takes off with NASA, ESA, ISRO, IIST

Marking a major milestone for Indian agricultural science in the realm of space research, Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) has joined NASA’s Axiom Mission 4, contributing to a global scientific collaboration aimed at understanding the effects of microgravity on crop seeds.

As part of a joint initiative involving the European Space Agency (ESA), the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), and KAU’s College of Agriculture, Vellayani, the mission will carry six high-yielding, locally developed seed varieties to the International Space Station (ISS) for scientific evaluation.

The seeds selected for the mission include Jyothi and Uma (rice), Kanakamani (horse gram), Thilakathara (sesame), Soorya (brinjal/eggplant), and Vellayani Vijay (tomato). These varieties will be subjected to the unique conditions of space, particularly microgravity, to study their germination, growth, and viability. Once returned to Earth, the seeds will be cultivated in controlled environments and closely monitored for changes in their resilience, growth patterns, and productivity.

“This pioneering initiative places Kerala and India on the global map of space agriculture research,” said a spokesperson from KAU. “We are proud to contribute indigenous crop varieties to this historic study.”

Group Captain Shubanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force, an astronaut aboard Axiom Mission 4, will assist in conducting the experiment on board the ISS.

Among the six Indian-led experiments selected for the mission, KAU’s agricultural research stands out for its focus on microgravity’s impact on food crops — a vital area of study as the world explores long-term space habitation and sustainable food production beyond Earth.

“This collaboration exemplifies the convergence of space science and agriculture,” said a representative from ISRO. “KAU’s work paves the way for deeper insights into how life-sustaining systems can be developed beyond Earth.”

The inclusion of KAU in Axiom Mission 4 reflects the rising global recognition of India’s scientific capabilities, particularly in agricultural innovation and sustainability. It also marks a proud moment for Kerala, reinforcing its growing role in global scientific advancement.