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NASRDA RECORDS HISTORY AS NIGERIAN SEEDS LAUNCHED INTO INT’L SPACE STATION ABOARD NASA CREW-11 MISSION
…Representing Nigeria in this experiment are maize, cowpea, sorghum, okra, amaranth, and egusi melon
History has again been recorded by the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) as Nigerian Seeds have been successfully Launched to the International Space Station Aboard NASA Crew-11 Mission at the Cape Canaveral, Florida in the United States on Friday| August 1, 2025.
In a Statement, Director, Media and Corporate Communications of the National Space Research and Development Agency,Dr Felix Ale said the successful launch marks the first time indigenous Nigerian crop seeds will be taken to space with the launch of NASA’s Crew-11 mission aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Nigeria according to him is participating in the World Seeds Experiment, a pioneering international space biology project coordinated by Jaguar Space, in collaboration with NASA and research institutions from over a dozen emerging space nations.
The experiment is designed to study how seeds respond to microgravity even before germination begins, offering insights into plant resilience, seed preservation, and sustainable agriculture in both space and terrestrial environments.
Representing Nigeria in this global experiment are six culturally and agriculturally significant crops: maize, cowpea, sorghum, okra, amaranth, and egusi melon.
These seeds are now aboard the International Space Station (ISS), where they will undergo a series of studies to assess their biological and genetic responses to the space environment.
Olayinka Fagbemiro, an Assistant Director in the International Cooperation and Linkages Department of NASRDA, serves as the Project Lead for Nigeria on this initiative and She was present live at Launch Pad 39A to witness the historic lift-off and to represent Nigeria at this moment of international scientific collaboration.
“This is a significant milestone for Nigeria’s space science and biotechnology efforts,” said Fagbemiro.
She explained that Nigeria participation in the mission symbolizes more than scientific progress as it reflects Nigeria’s determination to be at the forefront of inclusive and impactful space research.”
The World Seeds Payload is not only a scientific endeavor but also a powerful act of representation.
Each participating country selected crops with deep cultural, nutritional, and economic meaning.
The inclusion of Nigerian seeds in this historic payload represents national identity, food sovereignty, and the voices of communities historically left out of space exploration.
Upon return of the seeds from orbit, NASRDA will coordinate post-flight analysis in collaboration with the University of Florida, as well as relevant local research institutions.
The findings will contribute to global knowledge and inform future strategies for agriculture in extreme environments.
The international mission includes contributions from Nigeria (NASRDA), Argentina (CONAE), Brazil (Embrapa), Costa Rica (UCR), Guatemala (SENACYT), Maldives (MSRO), India (Protoplanet), and others through partnerships facilitated by Jaguar Space.
In his reaction shortly after the successful launch,an official of Jaguar Space, Dr Luis Zea congratulated the National Space Research and Development Agency(NASRDA) for being part of the historic event.
According to Dr Zea, the historic mission was no doubt a success story not only for NASRDA but also to the government and great people of Nigeria.
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