By Tochukwu Bliss, Abuja
International astronauts will research six indigenous Nigerian crops and seeds during the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Crew-11 Mission.
The crops selected by NASA are okra, cowpea, Guinea corn (sorghum), amaranth, maize, and melon.
They would be studied to understand their behavioural patterns towards climate resilience, food security and the future of agriculture in space.
NASA is an independent agency of the U.S. government responsible for its civil space programme, aeronautics research and space research.
Director, Media and Corporate Communications, National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Dr Felix Ale, in a statement on Thursday, said the Crew-11 Mission will blast off from the Kennedy Space Centre, Florida, championed by Jaguar Space.
Jaguar Space is a bioastronautics and business consulting firm dedicated to advancing science and commerce in space.
The statement reads in part: “This mission carries the World Seeds Payload, a groundbreaking international agricultural experiment spearheaded by Jaguar Space, with contributions from eleven emerging space faring countries, including Nigeria.
“Nigeria’s contribution to this landmark mission includes six indigenous crop seeds, okra, cowpea, Guinea corn (sorghum), amaranth, maize, and melon which are selected for their nutritional and agricultural significance.
“These seeds will be studied aboard the International Space Station (ISS) to explore their behaviour under microgravity, contributing to research on climate resilience, food security and the future of agriculture in space.”
Mr. Ale explained that the seeds were delivered to the U.S. following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NASRDA and Jaguar Space.
This, he explained, was the first time Nigeria would be participating in such with biological payload flying aboard a crewed NASA mission to the ISS.
These seeds will be studied aboard the International Space Station (ISS) to explore their behaviour under microgravity, contributing to research on climate resilience, food security and the future of agriculture in space.
Mr. Ale continued: “It reinforces NASRDA’s commitment to applying space science toward sustainable development and global scientific cooperation.
“Participation in this flight experiment now offers the opportunity to validate findings of the agency on gravity simulation studies on similar crops in a real space environment.
“Beyond the scientific data, the inclusion of culturally significant African crops helps ensure that space exploration reflects diverse perspectives and human experiences making the World Seeds Payload both a scientific experiment and a cultural statement.”
He noted that as the space industry becomes more democratised, Nigeria’s participation signals a future in which African innovation plays a visible and meaningful role in shaping humanity’s journey beyond Earth.
The Crew-11 mission and its biological cargo, is expected to reach the ISS within 24 hours after lifting off, with scientific observations to begin almost immediately upon arrival.
“The World Seeds Payload exemplifies inclusive, culturally grounded space research and highlights the leadership role that emerging space nations like Nigeria could play in shaping the future of humanity beyond Earth,” he added.
He also revealed that Mrs Olayinka Fagbemiro, Assistant Director, International Cooperation and Linkages Department and the Project Lead for Nigeria on the project, will represent the agency at the inauguration.
