‘Chez ISS’: Indian-Origin NASA Astronaut Anil Menon Shares Video of Harvesting Fresh Kale, Wasabi Greens in Space (Watch)
Indian-origin NASA astronaut Anil Menon recently showcased a practical demonstration of space agriculture aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
Indian-origin NASA astronaut Anil Menon recently showcased a practical demonstration of space agriculture aboard the International Space Station (ISS). In a video shared on social media titled "Chez ISS — Cooking on @Space_Station with @Astro_Jessica and Anil," Menon and fellow NASA astronaut Jessica Meir harvested fresh kale and wasabi mustard greens cultivated directly inside the orbiting laboratory.
The crops were grown over a one-month period using NASA’s Veggie plant growth system. In the clip, the duo harvested several leaves and used them to prepare a simple orbital meal. Menon described the dish as "simple, delicious," and noted it might be the best meal cooked on the station during their stay. 'Welcome Home': US-Russian Crew Lands Safely in Kazakhstan Aboard Soyuz MS-28 After 241-Day ISS Mission (Watch).
Highlighting the importance of sustainable food systems for space exploration, Menon expressed gratitude to the NASA Veggie team for guiding the crew through the cultivation process. He added that learning these skills is critical to providing food security for future deep-space travel. Adding a lighthearted touch to the milestone, Menon quitted that fictional astronaut-farmer Mark Watney, the protagonist of The Martian, "would be proud".
NASA's Veggie production system uses specialized plant pillows containing growth media and fertilizer, illuminated by tailored LED lighting to enable plant development in microgravity. Beyond providing variety to standard pre-packaged space rations, fresh leafy greens deliver essential vitamins and antioxidants that naturally degrade over time in long-term stored food supplies. NASA Artemis II Update: SLS Rocket and Orion Spacecraft Return to Launch Pad for Historic Crewed Lunar Mission.
Astronaut Anil Menon Harvests Kale and Wasabi Mustard on ISS
Developing reliable in-orbit farming methods remains a key priority for international space agencies preparing for prolonged missions under the Artemis lunar initiative and eventual crewed journeys to Mars.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 18, 2026 10:58 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).