Jessica Meir and Anil Menon, NASA astronauts, are growing Red Russian kale, as well as Wasabi mustard greens, under VEG-03 MNO aboard the International Space Station, Astrobiology Web reported Oct. 28, 2026.
Astrobiology Web said the VEG-03 MNO investigation, known as ISS Gardens, takes place during Expedition 75 aboard the orbiting laboratory. The station’s Kibo laboratory module houses the botany research.
Astrobiology Web said the work examines methods for growing crops on the moon and Mars to feed future crews, connecting the station effort to NASA’s broader goal of producing food for lunar and Martian crews. NASA’s Space Crops program made the VEG-03 MNO study a priority aboard the station in 2026.
Astrobiology Web said the investigation lets astronauts choose and casually tend plants outside enclosed research facilities, a freedom NASA describes as unusual for crew members working outside closed research hardware. NASA is also growing Dragoon lettuce on the station alongside Wasabi mustard greens and Red Russian kale under the Leafy Greens & Mustard Cultivars category.
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