Red Russian Kale and Wasabi Mustard Join Expedition 75 Crew

NASA astronaut Jessica Meir has introduced two unconventional additions to the Expedition 75 crew: red Russian kale and wasabi mustard. The plants are currently being cultivated in the open cabin of the International Space Station, marking a shift from the facility's traditional, contained plant growth habitats.

Editorial·August 7, 2026·reads: 255

Red Russian Kale and Wasabi Mustard Join Expedition 75 Crew

The experiment seeks to determine how vegetation thrives in an unshielded station environment and how long-term orbital storage impacts seed viability. By moving beyond the specialized growth chambers, researchers hope to gather data on the practical challenges of sustaining greenery in the sterile, high-tech surroundings of the ISS.

Beyond the scientific objectives, Meir noted the psychological benefits of the project. She described the presence of living, growing flora as a necessary form of nature therapy, offering a contrast to the metal and machinery that dominate the station. The initiative has already garnered significant attention online, with observers tracking the progress of the orbital garden as it matures in microgravity.