As NASA looks toward a long-term human presence off-Earth, the frontier of space exploration is moving from cold steel to living, breathing ecosystems. Sustaining deep-space missions requires innovative botanical technologies that produce fresh food and nutrients, generate life-giving oxygen, and boost mental health in the harsh environment of space. Established in 2015 as a partnership between Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden and NASA’s Exploration Research and Technology Programs, Growing Beyond Earth enables student community scientists to actively contribute data toward NASA mission planning by experimenting with food production in growth chambers.

If you want to join this project, you are required to apply to be part of the GBE School Cohort for the 2026-2027 academic year by July 31, 2026 and attend at least one virtual GBE teacher workshop. Check out the GBE website for more information!