Potatoes In Outerspace

Potatoes were grown in microgravity aboard the Spaceshuttle Columbia in October 1995. This marked the first ever experience of astroculture, cultivation of edible food in space.

The potato was chosen for this historic experiment since it is a prime candidate for supplying food for long space voyages to Mars and beyond. The potato produces more food value in a shorter period of time than any other plant, with very little waste. The astronauts of the Columbia mission "STS-73" were proud of their connection with the potato. They produced a video of themselves as "potato farmers" and wore unofficial mission t-shirts showing the crew flying with Mr. Potatohead.