🚀 Ladakh Superfoods in Space – 2025 ISS Experiment
Science & Technology Current Affairs | Entrance Exam Focus
1️⃣ Event Overview
In August 2025, two indigenous Ladakh crops — Seabuckthorn and Himalayan (Tartary) Buckwheat — completed a pioneering journey to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard NASA’s Crew-11 mission.
The seeds spent over a week in microgravity and were returned to Earth on August 9, 2025 by the Crew-10 team.
2️⃣ Scientific Objective
This was the first orbital experiment involving Ladakh-native crops.
3️⃣ International Initiative
The experiment is part of the global program:
The initiative explores how plants can support long-duration space missions and enhance food security on Earth.
4️⃣ Post-Flight Study
- Seeds will be planted in Ladakh.
- Growth rate, resilience, and yield will be observed.
- Comparative study with Earth-grown control samples.
5️⃣ Quick Revision Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Crops Sent | Seabuckthorn & Himalayan Buckwheat |
| Mission to ISS | NASA Crew-11 |
| Return Mission | Crew-10 (Aug 9, 2025) |
| Main Objective | Pre-germination space stress study |
| Program Name | Emerging Space Nations – Space for Agriculture |
6️⃣ MCQs for Entrance Exams
Q1. Which two Ladakh crops were sent to the ISS?
B) Seabuckthorn and Himalayan Buckwheat
C) Finger Millet and Sorghum
D) Rice and Wheat
Q2. Which missions carried and returned the seeds?
B) Crew-11 & Crew-10
C) Crew-8 & Crew-7
D) Crew-10 & Crew-9
Q3. What is the main scientific aim?
B) Study seed response before germination under space stress
C) Medicine manufacturing
D) Mars colonization directly
Q4. Under which program was the experiment conducted?
B) FAO Mission
C) Emerging Space Nations – Space for Agriculture
D) Gaganyaan Crop Study
Q5. Why were these crops selected?
B) Native to polar regions
C) Survive extreme terrain with high medicinal value
D) Waterlogged growth conditions
