Argentina quinoa seeds set for pioneering space research mission

Seeds of quinoa developed in Argentina’s San Juan province are set to take part in a groundbreaking international research mission designed to examine how biological material responds to extreme environments beyond Earth.

The initiative, confirmed by Lucas Guillen, head of the Rural Extension Agency Calingasta, aims to generate new insights into resilient food systems for the future, as reported by Ahora San Juan, a partner of TV BRICS.

A key phase of the project involves sending the seeds into orbit, where they will remain for approximately nine months. This duration has been selected to simulate a flight to Mars, during which the material will be exposed to radiation and other environmental stressors. Upon return to Earth, scientists will assess any physiological or genetic changes.

According to Lucas Guillen, the programme builds on more than a decade of work focused on quinoa as a strategic crop. It has proven its value due to its adaptability, nutritional profile and robustness in challenging conditions.

The specialist highlighted that quinoa can thrive in saline soils, withstand high temperatures and require significantly less water than many conventional crops. This resilience is particularly relevant in regions facing water scarcity and the effects of climate change, positioning the crop as a viable option for sustainable agriculture.

Researchers note that while similar studies have previously been conducted under laboratory conditions, this initiative represents one of the first real-world experiments of its kind in Argentina.