ISRO shares timelapse video showing how cowpea crop seeds sprouted green leaves in space; watch video here

On 4 January 2025, Isro confirmed that the seeds sprouted in just four days. (Image: ISRO)

ISRO has achieved a remarkable milestone in space farming. Cowpea seeds have successfully germinated aboard the PSLV-C60 mission. A time-lapse video captures the seeds sprouting and growing in microgravity conditions.

On 4 January 2025, Isro confirmed that the seeds sprouted in just four days. The experiment used the Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies (CROPS) to create a controlled environment. Developed by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, CROPS tested the growth of eight cowpea seeds.

Watch the timelapse of leaves emerging in space! VSSC's CROPS (Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies) experiment aboard PSLV-C60 captures the fascinating growth of cowpea in microgravity. #BiologyInSpace #POEM4 #ISRO pic.twitter.com/uRUUnVGO2v
ISRO (@isro) January 7, 2025

Insights Into Space Agriculture
The seeds were placed in a closed-box system equipped with cameras. Sensors monitored temperature, humidity, and soil moisture throughout the process. The released time-lapse video showcases the plants' growth under microgravity conditions.

This study highlights how plants adapt to space’s unique challenges. Researchers observed the transition from seed dormancy to active growth. The findings offer valuable insights for long-term space missions.

Future of Sustainable Space Missions
The successful germination marks progress towards self-sustaining food sources. Such advancements are crucial for missions to Mars and lunar bases. The CROPS initiative reflects Isro’s multi-phase approach to space agriculture.

Researchers aim to gather more data on plant adaptation in space. These insights will support future life systems for extended space exploration.