GreenOnyx's Wanna Greens Makes Space Debut Aboard SpaceX CRS-29 Mission

GreenOnyx's Wanna Greens Makes Space Debut Aboard SpaceX CRS-29 Mission
by Simon Mansfield
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Nov 16, 2023

In a groundbreaking move for space agriculture, Israeli agro-tech firm GreenOnyx has successfully launched its innovative Wanna Greens product into orbit. The launch, executed on November 9, 2023, aboard a SpaceX rocket bound for the International Space Station (ISS), marks the first instance of duckweed (Wolffia) being sent to space, heralding a new chapter in sustainable space food sources.

Wanna Greens, described as surpassing traditional greens in nutritional value, includes fresh Wolffia vegetables. This product is not only a first for space missions but also represents a significant advancement in the field of sustainable agriculture. Dr. Tsipi Shoham, co-founder and CEO of GreenOnyx, expressed the mission's ambition: "Our first set of experiments of duckweed in space aims to explore its rapid growth patterns, high nutrient content, and potential as a sustainable fresh food source for astronauts on long-duration space missions."

This pioneering venture was part of the Commercial Resupply Service (CRS)-29 mission and included a proprietary package of Wanna Greens and a duckweed miniature cultivation module. The initiative has received NASA's endorsement, signifying a substantial leap in understanding how plants can be grown in microgravity environments.

The significance of Wanna Greens extends beyond its nutritional prowess; it is the world's smallest green vegetable, boasting higher iron content than spinach, more zinc than kale, and surpassing all green vegetables in potassium levels. These nutrients are essential for promoting cellular strength, preventing illness, and enhancing longevity - factors of paramount importance for astronauts during prolonged space missions.

NASA's ongoing studies underscore the importance of fresh nutrition in space. Fresh fruits and vegetables are crucial for providing vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients, which are integral to maintaining the immune system, bone health, and other physiological and mental functions. As space agencies gear up for future long-duration missions, such as those planned for Mars, the role of fresh nutrition becomes increasingly vital.

In addition to its space applications, Wanna Greens has made a mark on Earth with its unique agricultural approach. Grown on an eco-friendly indoor farm, it is the first autonomous sterile product line in agriculture, free from pathogens, pesticides, antibiotics, or harmful chemicals. With a stable shelf life of up to six weeks, Wanna Greens offers a convenient, healthy, and sustainable option for daily consumption, characterized by a happy taste, sprinkles-like texture, and caviar-like appearance.