posted 03-27-2020 08:51 PM               

Also for sale are three sets of flown and ground control group seeds (two packs per set).

The Space Exposed Experiment Developed for Students (SEEDS) project resulted in 8000 student reports to NASA regarding growth of the seeds that spent almost six years in orbit. Towards the end of the mission, the L.A. Times ran an article that a DNA mutation resulting from space radiation exposure might result in poisonous tomatoes – this turned out not to be the case. (Lucky for me – since my mom raised a set of the seeds given to me at the time by the NASA Headquarters PAO in our Georgia garden, and they were delicious.) There were some overall differences noted in the study from the earth-based control group of seeds: the space seeds had better taste, more seeds per fruit, and faster growth.

These packets are sold as space flown souvenirs. I doubt the seeds are still viable today, but... it might be interesting to try to grow a few. The usual time limit on the most robust tomato seeds is about 10-15 years, but the limiting factor is usually moisture-induced mold growth. These seeds have been very carefully hermetically sealed for 36 years with 6 years in freefall in a higher radiation environment, so who knows?

These flown seed packs are going for about $50 to $300 each on eBay, with nice single-pack framed displays for $275 (make your own display with one or more of these packs).

Ten individual packs available are from LDEF Canister 4, Layer A & B Mixed. These packets are $35 each (free U.S. postage; $3.50 foreign postage for any number of packs anywhere in the world). PayPal required.

Three sets of flown and ground control group seeds (2 packs per set) are from LDEF Canister 5, Layer A. Price is $45 per set (free U.S. domestic postage; $3.50 foreign postage for any number of packs anywhere in the world). PayPal required.

Thanks and fly safe!