A South African scientific initiative linking agriculture and space research has officially launched today with the Rooibos in Space programme. In a first for the country, Rooibos seeds will be sent to the International Space Station (ISS), combining space-based plant science with hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education.
The launch took place today at Parklands College’s Innovation Centre in Cape Town and brought together representatives from government, academia, education, agriculture and the emerging space economy.
The initiative was conceptualised by the South African Rooibos Council (SARC) and is delivered in collaboration with MaxIQ Space, with support from the South African National Space Agency (SANSA). It connects Rooibos to a growing international focus on plant biology in space and the development of sustainable agricultural systems beyond Earth.
Using Rooibos, a unique and indigenous South African plant, the project engages learners in cutting-edge space science while exploring the potential role of plants in future space exploration and off-Earth living systems.
As part of the programme, Rooibos seeds will be launched to the ISS in October, where they will be exposed to microgravity and space radiation for several weeks before returning to Earth. On their return, they will be planted alongside control seeds, in a comparative study examining germination, growth, resilience and yield.
The experiment will be carried out by learners from seven schools in the Cederberg region – the birthplace of Rooibos. Working with local Rooibos farms, learners will collect and analyse data as part of a structured scientific investigation. A parallel experiment at Parklands College will provide additional comparative data.
Recent years have seen a renewed global emphasis on plant research in space, driven by upcoming long-duration exploration missions and programmes, such as NASA’s Artemis missions. International space agencies are increasingly prioritising the development of self-sustaining life-support systems for future deep space travel, including the cultivation of crops capable of producing food, supporting oxygen generation and contributing to crew well-being on extended missions.
Within this context, Rooibos joins a growing body of plant research conducted in space. Experiments aboard the ISS have demonstrated that crops, such as lettuce can grow in microgravity, while studies on peas and soybeans have provided insight into how plants respond to altered gravity and environmental stressors. These findings are contributing to advances in both future space-based food systems and agricultural resilience on Earth.
According to Dawie de Villiers, Director of the South African Rooibos Council (SARC), the project reflects the industry’s focus on innovation, education and applied research.
“Rooibos has long been part of South Africa’s agricultural heritage. This project places it within a broader scientific context, where plant biology, space research and education intersect. It also reflects the importance of investing in scientific literacy and skills development for the next generation of researchers and innovators.”
Beyond the scientific component, participating schools will engage in an extended STEM education programme introducing learners to space science, plant biology and sustainable agriculture. The programme is aligned with curriculum outcomes and designed to connect classroom learning with practical scientific application.
Judi Sandrock of MaxIQ Space said the initiative aims to strengthen access to authentic scientific learning experiences.
“The value of this project lies in giving learners exposure to real research processes linked to space science. It provides a structured opportunity to develop scientific thinking, data analysis skills and an understanding of how experimentation works in practice.”
To broaden national participation, learners across South Africa will also be invited to design the official Rooibos in Space mission patch during July and August, extending engagement beyond participating schools.
The project aligns with South Africa’s growing involvement in space science and innovation. Speaking at the launch, Deputy Director-General for Curriculum and Assessment Management in the Western Cape Education Department, Bertram Loriston, noted the importance of cross-sector partnerships in expanding access to STEM opportunities.
He highlighted the role of initiatives that connect education, agriculture and emerging scientific fields in making science more accessible to learners.
The scientific credibility of the project is further supported by SANSA. Thandile Vuntu, who leads SANSA’s Science Engagement Unit in Hermanus, said space science is increasingly integrated into everyday applications and continues to expand opportunities for young people entering STEM fields.
“Space science is becoming more integrated into areas that affect daily life, from communications to environmental monitoring. Initiatives, such as this help build awareness of the skills required for future participation in the sector, but also align with national priorities around skills development, innovation capacity and strengthening South Africa’s position in emerging scientific fields. They further highlight the importance of collaboration between industry, government, academia and the science sector in building a strong pipeline of future scientists, engineers and researchers,” he said.
Adding a personal perspective, Dr Kelebogile Gasealahwe, a South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) postdoctoral fellow at the University of Cape Town (UCT) whose research focuses on X-ray binaries, shared her journey from humble beginnings in Kimberley to her current role in cutting-edge astrophysics, underscoring the importance of curiosity and persistence in scientific careers.
She also highlighted the role of facilities, such as MeerKAT in advancing South Africa’s contribution to global astronomy research and encouraged learners to remain open to diverse pathways within STEM fields.
Closing the event, organisers noted that public engagement will continue beyond the launch phase as the project moves toward its October ISS flight. Members of the public will be able to follow the Rooibos in Space journey through updates, learner activities and mission milestones.
Updates will be shared via the official website at www.sarooibos.co.za, as well as on social media via @RooibosCouncil (Facebook) and @SARooibosCouncil (Instagram).
Learners from schools in the Cederberg region and Parklands College are pictured with representatives from the South African Rooibos Council (SARC), MaxIQ Space, the South African National Space Agency (SANSA), the Western Cape Education Department at the launch of the Rooibos in Space initiative. The schools will participate in a comparative planting study, growing Rooibos seeds that have travelled to the International Space Station alongside an Earth-based control group to investigate the effects of space on seed germination and plant growth.
Photographer Patrick King; Apollo 11 astronaut suit courtesy of Annie’s Wardrobe.
