Space botanist conducts plant experiments in orbit | Space photo of the day for Oct. 21, 2026

On October 21, 2026, NASA astronaut Luke Delaney was conducting botany experiments aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Delaney’s research focused specifically on growing dwarf wheat and radishes within a controlled environment inside the station's Veggie system. The experiment aimed to assess how plants respond to microgravity conditions and altered light cycles. Data collected will contribute to understanding plant growth in space environments, potentially aiding future long-duration missions. This ongoing work represents a crucial step towards developing sustainable food sources for astronauts during extended voyages.