Aerospace breeding is an innovative crop breeding technology that involves sending crop seeds or test-tube seedlings into space, with the goal of inducing mutations in seeds by leveraging the unique space environment, which cannot be replicated on Earth.

Factors such as high-vacuum mutagenic effects, microgravity, and cosmic high-energy ionic radiation contribute to this process.

The seeds are then brought back to Earth, where new seeds and materials are selected and bred, leading to the cultivation of novel varieties.

This method is characterized by numerous beneficial mutations, a high variation rate, rapid stabilization, and impressive traits such as high yield, quality, early maturity, and robust disease resistance. Compared to traditional breeding methods, aerospace breeding boasts a mutation rate 3 to 4 times higher than ordinary mutation breeding, and its breeding cycle is shortened from approximately 8 years to about 4 years.

In contrast to traditional breeding techniques, aerospace breeding offers a shorter timeframe for improving the quality of agricultural products, generating numerous new varieties, playing a crucial role in the swift advancement of modern agriculture.

But how are these "space seeds" created? Aerospace engineering systems are intricate and technologically advanced, with invaluable load capacity. To earn a ticket to space, seeds must meet two essential criteria: genetic stability and a favorable combination of traits. Seeds deemed suitable for the space journey are referred to as "chosen seeds."

Statistics reveal that the general seed mutation rate in space ranges from 0.05% to 0.5%. Many seeds remain unchanged, and only those fortunate enough to be impacted by cosmic particles are selected upon returning to Earth. Due to the random nature of genetic mutation, not all seeds mutate in a positive direction; consequently, only the seeds meeting specific requirements endure.

This groundbreaking experiment aims to breed crop varieties capable of adapting to climate change, thereby contributing to global food security. With the world's population projected to reach nearly 10 billion by 2050, the necessity for increased food production through scientific and technological innovations is evident. Additionally, there is a growing need to enhance crop resilience and the sustainability of growing methods.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) recently organized an event in Vienna to welcome back seeds sent into space previously.

Although experiments on induced mutations in plants have been conducted since 1946, this marked the first attempt to send seeds into space for genomics and biological analysis.

Arabidopsis thaliana and sorghum were the two crops chosen for this experiment. Arabidopsis, a watercress, has garnered attention from botanists and geneticists, while sorghum, belonging to the same grass family as millet, is a drought- and heat-tolerant grain cultivated in many countries.

Researchers will grow these seeds and conduct analyses to determine whether cosmic radiation and space's harsh conditions have rendered these seeds more resilient and adaptable to the increasingly challenging growing conditions on Earth.