NASA’s Space Tomatoes: A Long-Lost Journey

NASA’s Space Tomatoes Found After Months on the International Space Station

NASA has released an image of the recently-recovered long-lost space tomatoes, which were mistakenly lost by astronaut Frank Rubio earlier this year. The tomatoes were found eight months later, slightly discolored and dehydrated, but with no visible microbial or fungal growth.

The Incredible Resilience of Space-Grown Tomatoes

In comparison to a tomato lost on Earth, the space-grown tomatoes fared remarkably well during their ordeal. Despite being dehydrated and “slightly squished,” the fruits maintained their shape and showed no signs of spoilage.

Advancements in Crop Growth Research

The tomatoes were part of NASA’s VEG-05 project, which aims to study crop growth, food safety, and flavor in space. This project utilizes the International Space Station’s vegetable facility to grow various vegetables and flowers, addressing the need for fresh food during future missions to the Moon and Mars.

The Delicate Case of the Missing Tomatoes

The discovery of the long-lost tomatoes was announced earlier this month. The tomatoes were initially harvested and given to astronauts in Ziplock bags, with instructions not to consume them due to potential fungal contamination. Astronaut Frank Rubio lost track of his tomatoes while on a record-breaking 371-day mission, leading to playful jokes from his colleagues.

Continued Plant Research in Space

Although the tomatoes will not be returning to Earth, NASA scientists are continuing plant research on the space station. The Plant-Habitat-03 project aims to assess whether genetic adaptations in space-grown plants can be inherited by future generations. This research could lead to the ability to grow multiple generations of crops during space missions.

Psychological Benefits and the Role of Space Gardening

Aside from their scientific value, gardening in space has psychological benefits for astronauts, including increased quality of life and morale. However, as the case of the missing tomatoes demonstrates, keeping track of prized crops in space can be a challenge.

Source: This is what happens to space tomatoes that get lost on the International Space Station for 8 months