Chinese scientists have managed to grow from a seed on the surface of the Moon for the first time. The small green shoots of a cotton plant sprouted from a canister under a lunar lander.
It’s after the craft touched down on the far side of the Moon earlier this month. The test used a small bucket-like container holding air, water and soil – along with various seeds.
Plants have been succesfully grown the International Space Station before but this is a first on the Moon. Plant growth in space is vital for long-term space missions.
Image: AFP/CHONGQING UNIVERSITY
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