Nigerian ‘Egusi’ Seeds Make Historic Journey to Space As Scientist Assesses Nutritional Value, Functional Potential For Future Long-duration Human Space Missions

Nigerian Space Scientist  to Assess the nutritional value and functional potential of Egusi seeds for future long-duration human space missions

Egusi (melon) seeds, a staple in West African cuisine, are set to make a historic journey into space.

This groundbreaking scientific experiment is led by Nigerian space scientist and Federal University of Technology, Akure graduate, Temidayo Oniosun. 

The mission aims to assess the nutritional value and functional potential of Egusi seeds for future long-duration human space missions.

The launch is scheduled for July 31 at 12:09 PM EDT (5:09 PM Nigerian time) aboard NASA’s Crew-11 resupply mission to the International Space Station (ISS), departing from Cape Canaveral, Florida.

According to a joint statement issued Wednesday by Space in Africa’s Queen Dare and Temidayo Oniosun, this marks the first time seeds from Nigeria will travel to space. 

The initiative highlights growing global collaboration in space research and is made possible through partnerships with The Karman Project and Jaguar Space LLC. Oniosun, a leading figure in Africa’s space technology scene, emphasized the historic nature of the project.

“I’m sending Egusi seeds to space to evaluate their potential for nutritional and functional use in long-term space exploration,” Oniosun said. “This is the first time in history that seeds from Nigeria will be launched into space.”

The seeds, sourced from Oyo State, will travel alongside other research items under the care of NASA astronaut and U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander Jonny Kim.

Once the Egusi seeds return from space, they will undergo comprehensive scientific analysis in collaboration with Dr. Wagner Vendrame, a renowned professor at the University of Florida.

The post-flight studies will include in vitro germination tests to observe any morphological or physiological changes, spectral imaging to evaluate seed viability, respiration assessments to measure metabolic activity, and molecular analysis to detect possible genetic alterations.

Temidayo Oniosun explained that the research extends beyond traditional agriculture, touching on broader goals such as food security, adaptability, and the advancement of scientific independence in space exploration.

“If Egusi can endure and adapt after exposure to space conditions, it could pave the way for incorporating indigenous crops into extraterrestrial farming systems,” Oniosun said.

This ambitious project not only showcases Nigeria’s growing contributions to global science but also introduces a new perspective on cultivating resilient and diverse food sources for future space missions.

Oniosun’s efforts are being recognized as a landmark breakthrough for Nigerian innovation, scientific research, and academic excellence.

Temidayo Oniosun, a graduate of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), and a strong advocate for African inclusion in global space initiatives, is propelling Nigeria into the spotlight of astro-agriculture through his latest space experiment.

The Vice Chancellor of FUTA, Professor Adenike Oladiji, expressed immense pride in the achievement and the role played by one of the university’s distinguished alumni.

“As the countdown begins, the world witnesses more than a rocket launch,” she said. “It represents a bold display of African ingenuity breaking through Earth’s boundaries, rooted in the talent nurtured at the Federal University of Technology Akure, and now reaching the stars.”

Oniosun earned his Bachelor of Technology degree in Meteorology from FUTA in 2016. He later pursued a master’s degree in Satellite Applications at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, and completed a Ph.D. at the University of Delaware.

His journey in space science began early. In May 2015, while still an undergraduate, he led FUTA’s space club to launch a high-altitude balloon into space as part of a competition.

His growing impact in the space sector was recognized in 2016 when he received the International Astronautical Federation’s Emerging Space Leadership Award. In 2017, he was elected as the African regional coordinator for the Space Generation Advisory Council and was re-elected for a second term in 2019.