The Maldives Space Research Organisation (MSRO) has confirmed that mangrove seeds collected from the country’s coastal ecosystems have been successfully launched to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of an international scientific mission.

The initiative, titled Mangroves in Space Mission, aims to explore the relationship between coastal ecosystems and climate change in island nations such as the Maldives. According to MSRO, the launch took place yesterday and involves mangrove seeds from 11 countries, including the Maldives, India, Pakistan, Argentina, Brazil, the United States, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Nigeria, Armenia and Egypt.

The seeds from the Maldives were sourced from Haa Dhaalu Kulhudhuffushi and Noonu Kendhikulhudhoo mangrove wetlands. MSRO explained that these particular seeds were selected for their ecological importance and their relevance to understanding the impact of environmental stressors on coastal vegetation.

The mission will examine how mangrove seeds behave under microgravity and other special conditions aboard the ISS. Scientists will observe changes such as the initiation of gene activity in low-gravity environments and alterations in metabolic pathways, including how basic molecules transform into specific biological outputs.

MSRO stated that the seeds will be returned to Earth following the experiment. Researchers will then study any biological changes that may have occurred during their time in orbit. The results could provide valuable insights into sustainable agriculture and environmental resilience in low-lying island nations.

The Organisation highlighted that this mission may contribute to more effective farming research by revealing how climate-adaptive plant species respond to extreme or unfamiliar environmental conditions.