π Space tomatoes survived 6 years in orbit
NASA sent Rutgers tomato seeds into space for nearly six years as part of the SEEDS project. This experiment involved NASA, Langley Research Center, and the George W. Park Seed Company. The seeds were recovered in January 1990, and 132,000 kits reached 3.3 million students nationwide. Preliminary data showed space seeds germinated at 73.8% versus 70.3% for Earth seeds. Researchers found the seeds were tougher than expected, offering insights for future space agriculture. π