Space Beans

Sending Mung beans to space

Team Radiata


The project “What is the Effect of Microgravity on Vigna angularis (Adzuki Beans)?” is a student-led (US grades 5 to 7) scientific experiment that was selected for flight as part of the 2020 DreamUp to Space Virtual Mission & Experiment Design Challenge.

The Experiment

The goal of this experiment is to observe the effects of microgravity on the germination of Vigna Radiata, commonly known as Mung beans. It will blast to the International Space Station (ISS) on a SpaceX Dragon II capsule with a targeted launch of June 3, 2021.

We chose the Vigna Radiata because they are nutritious and have medicinal properties such as stabilizing blood sugar, can improve digestion, and may help reduce the risk of diabetes. Observing the effects of microgravity on mung bean germination may allow us to provide astronauts another piece of data around selecting sustainable food sources, and as well as help maintain a breathable atmosphere needed for space exploration to Mars and beyond.