Mangrove Seeds from Maldives Set to Orbit Earth in NASA’s Crew-11 Space Mission

Mangrove Seeds from Maldives Set to Orbit Earth in NASA’s Crew-11 Space Mission

In a remarkable milestone for the Maldives, seeds from the country’s own mangrove trees are about to travel far beyond the shoreline into space. The Maldives Space Research Organization (MSRO) has confirmed that seeds of Avicennia marina, locally known as Baru Gas, will launch aboard NASA’s Crew-11 mission on August 1, 2025.

These mangrove seeds, collected with support from the Kendhikulhudhoo and Kulhudhuffushi Councils, are part of a pioneering global initiative called Earth Seeds for Space. This international research effort aims to better understand how seeds react to space conditions such as zero gravity and radiation knowledge that could shape the future of farming, food security, and ecological conservation both on Earth and beyond.

Maldives Joins a Global Scientific Collaboration

The Maldives is one of 11 nations participating in this space-bound experiment, with each country contributing seeds that represent their culture and environmental identity. While other countries have sent tomatoes, cotton, maize, and even orchids, the Maldives is contributing something uniquely coastal: mangroves.

MSRO’s seed contribution reflects the importance of mangroves to Maldivian communities, particularly for coastal protection, biodiversity, and climate resilience. These trees play a critical role in holding shorelines together and absorbing carbon and now, they’re part of a larger mission to explore how plants might grow in space or adapt to extreme environments.

What is MIS-01?

The project, dubbed MIS-01 (Mangroves In Space), marks the Maldives’ first contribution to an international payload aboard the International Space Station. It is part of the broader Jaguar Space initiative, which unites researchers and agencies from across the world to explore how different plant species behave in space.

The Crew-11 mission will be carried out as part of NASA’s CRS-11 launch, currently scheduled for August 1. Once in orbit, the mangrove seeds will be exposed to the conditions aboard the ISS, including microgravity and higher radiation levels than those on Earth.

Why Space Agriculture Matters

Seeds in space are more than just an experiment, they’re part of a larger vision for sustainable life, both on Earth and on future space missions. By studying how plants react to the stresses of space travel, scientists can:

  • Improve methods of seed preservation in the face of climate change

  • Enhance germination and resilience of crops for food security

  • Develop systems for growing food on long-duration missions or on Mars-like environments

  • Gain insights that can improve agricultural innovation on Earth

  • Strengthen restoration strategies for species like mangroves in vulnerable regions

Representing the Maldives on the Global Stage

This launch is more than just science, it’s a symbol of Maldivian innovation and its growing participation in global research. For a small island nation deeply rooted in nature and resilience, sending mangrove seeds to space is a powerful gesture. It shows how science, culture, and environmental values can intersect to support progress.

The experiment will not end in space. Once the seeds return to Earth, MSRO will conduct detailed analyses to assess how they were affected by their time in orbit. These findings could help guide mangrove conservation and climate adaptation strategies in the Maldives for years to come.

Launch Details and Live Coverage

The launch of NASA’s Crew-11 mission, carrying the MIS-01 payload, is set for:

Date: August 1, 2025
Time: 4:35 PM Maldives time
Mission: Expedition 73
Live Stream: NASA Launch Coverage

Seeds, Science, and the Future

Alongside the Maldivian mangroves, seeds from countries such as Argentina (peanut), Egypt (cotton), Costa Rica (tomato and sweet pepper), India (Himalayan Tartary and seabuckthorn), Pakistan (wheat), and Nigeria (maize, beans, okra, and more) will be onboard the mission. Each seed represents not just biological material, but a connection to its home country’s agricultural roots and future aspirations.

As MSRO continues to push boundaries, this mission stands as the first of many under the Mangroves In Space banner. It's a story of national pride, scientific curiosity, and a shared global future — one seed at a time.