BEIJING – China National Space Administration says Seeds taken up to theMoon by China’s Chang’e-4 mission have sprouted.
It marks the first time any biological matter has grown on the Moon, and isbeing seen as a significant step towards long-term space exploration.
The Chang’e 4 is the first mission to land on and explore the Moon’s farside, facing away from Earth.
Plants have been grown on the International Space Station before but neveron the Moon.
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The ability to grow plants on the Moon will be integral for long-term spacemissions, like a trip to Mars which would take about two-and-a-half years.
It would mean that astronauts could potentially harvest their own food inspace, reducing the need to come back down to Earth to resupply.
