On February 13, the next batch of Tomatosphere™ seeds reached orbit with astronauts bound for the International Space Station (ISS). The Space-X Crew-12 mission, which included 1.2 million tomato seeds donated by HeinzSeed, launched at 5:15 a.m. EST on February 13 and the crew docked at the ISS on February 14 at 3:15 p.m. EST. When the seeds return to Earth, they will be distributed to classrooms to conduct experiments as a part of the program curriculum.
“Educating students about the seed industry is vital to building inspiration and interest in agricultural careers,” said Rick Falconer, President the First the Seed Foundation. “For nearly two decades, Tomatosphere™ has supported teachers in the classroom, encouraging students to consider a pathway in the seed sector and broader agricultural industry. We are excited about this latest batch of seeds that reached outer space and will soon be reaching the bright minds of students across the country.” To watch the launch, click here.
Tomatosphere™ uses the excitement of space exploration to teach the skills and processes of scientific experimentation and inquiry. Students investigate the effects of the space environment on the growth of food that will inevitably support long-term human space travel.
The Tomatosphere™ program is currently supported by a consortium of supporters, with First the Seed Foundation leading the implementation of the program in the United States. Consortium members include: First the Seed Foundation, Let’s Talk Science (Canadian partner of Tomatosphere™), the Canadian Space Agency, HeinzSeed, Stokes Seeds, and the University of Guelph.
First the Seed Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in 2008 by the American Seed Trade Association, one of the oldest trade associations in America, to inform and educate tomorrow’s workforce about the importance of the seed industry.