In a significant milestone for space biological research, spinach callus tissue sent by Amity University-Mumbai has demonstrated growth in space. The experiment was conducted aboard the PSLV-60 rocket, which launched the POEM-4 module carrying the Amity Plant Experimental Module in Space (APEMS) on December 30. The module orbits Earth at an altitude of 350 kilometers, and initial observations have shown promising signs of growth, according to scientists involved in the mission.
A.W. Santhosh Kumar, Vice Chancellor of Amity University, Mumbai, and the lead scientist at the university’s Center for Astrobiology expressed optimism about the initial data received from the POEM-4 platform. “The initial data received has shown signs of growth in the spinach callus. The payload’s health is good, and the data from ISRO is promising,” he remarked.
The experiment marks a key step in understanding how plants grow under microgravity, a critical factor for sustaining long-duration manned space missions. Growing plants in space is not only important for food production but also serves as an engaging activity for astronauts during extended missions.
The researchers decided to use spinach callus tissue—an undifferentiated mass of plant cells—rather than traditional seeds for this experiment. This approach enables more precise tracking of growth and health through color monitoring. “The advantage of using the callus of Spinacia oleracea, commonly known as spinach, is that its green color allows us to detect any discoloration or changes during growth and death through the in-built camera,” Kumar explained. The fast growth rate of spinach callus tissue makes it easier to measure changes compared to seed germination.
An identical module placed at Amity University’s campus has shown similar growth patterns, further validating the experiment’s findings. The research focuses on understanding how plants adapt to the absence of gravity and respond to environmental stressors in space. “The primary objective is to explore plant growth, particularly through callus, to assess the potential for providing food and nutrition during space missions,” Kumar stated.
The study also aims to provide insights into how higher plants sense gravity and light, enabling them to adjust their growth direction. This understanding has implications not only for space missions but also for enhancing plant growth on Earth by improving resilience to gravitational stress.
Looking ahead, Amity University plans to conduct more advanced real-time experiments as part of India’s Human Space Mission. The university also hopes to collaborate with ISRO on the proposed Bharatiya Antariksha Station, contributing further to space exploration and scientific innovation.
This experiment underscores the potential of plant biology in space research and sets the stage for future advancements in sustainable food production for space exploration.