The Economic Times

In 1984, NASA sent 12.5 million tomato seeds into orbit for nearly six years. After their return, 132,000 experiment kits were distributed across every US state and 30 countries

In 1984, NASA sent 12.5 million tomato seeds into orbit for nearly six years. After their return, 132,000 experiment kits were distributed across every US state and 30 countries. Students planted space-exposed seeds beside Earth-stored control seeds. The experiment compared germination and growth. Results showed 73.8% germination for space seeds against 70.3% for control seeds, giving NASA data on seeds and space exposure.