The Maldives Space Research Organization (MSRO) has announced that Maldivian mangrove seeds (Avicennia marina) will be launched into space on 31 July 2025, aboard NASA’s CRS-11 mission.

The seeds were collected with assistance from the Kendhikulhudhoo and Kulhudhuffushi Councils and form part of the international research project, Earth Seeds for Space.

This global initiative, led by Jaguar Space and involving 11 countries, aims to study how seeds respond to the unique conditions of space, such as microgravity and radiation. Alongside the Maldivian mangrove seeds, the mission includes seeds from Argentina, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Armenia, Egypt, and Pakistan.

MSRO stated that the research will explore genetic and metabolic changes in seeds exposed to space environments, providing insights that could enhance food security, crop resilience, and conservation efforts both on Earth and for future space missions.

The selection of mangrove seeds reflects the Maldives’ ecological heritage and its commitment to environmental sustainability. Mangroves are vital for coastal protection and biodiversity, underscoring the significance of this research for the island nation. Founded in 2022, MSRO has become the Maldives’ official representative in space affairs, partnering with the Ministry of Defence since September 2024.