First African Indigenous Crop to Enter Orbit on NASA Mission, Launches July 31.
In a landmark achievement for African science and innovation, egusi seeds—a staple in West African cuisine—are set to travel to outer space for the first time in history. The pioneering experiment is led by Dr. Temidayo Oniosun, a Nigerian space scientist and proud alumnus of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA).
The mission will launch on Wednesday, July 31, 2025, at 12:09 PM EDT (5:09 PM Nigerian Time). The seeds will board NASA’s Crew-11 resupply flight to the International Space Station (ISS) from Cape Canaveral, Florida.
Africa’s First Seeds in Space
This groundbreaking experiment marks the first time any seed from Nigeria or Africa will be sent into space. Signifying a new chapter in astro-agriculture and global space collaboration. The project is made possible through partnerships with The Karman Project and Jaguar Space LLC, two organizations dedicated to advancing international space research and innovation.
Announcing the mission, Dr. Oniosun shared: “I am sending egusi seeds to outer space to assess their suitability for nutritional and functional applications in long-term human space exploration. This is the first time in history that seeds from Nigeria will be going to space.”
The egusi seeds (also known as Obokobok in some parts of Nigeria), sourced from Oyo State, will be among the scientific payloads aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, scheduled to launch on Wednesday, July 31, 2025, from Cape Canaveral, Florida. The rocket will carry a Dragon spacecraft en route to the International Space Station (ISS). This mission, which also includes payloads overseen by NASA astronaut and U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander Jonny Kim, marks a historic milestone as egusi becomes the first indigenous African crop to journey into space — part of a groundbreaking experiment led by Nigerian space scientist Dr. Temidayo Oniosun.
Post-Mission Scientific Research
Upon their return to Earth, the egusi seeds will undergo rigorous scientific analysis at the University of Florida, under the leadership of Dr. Wagner Vendrame. Wagner is an internationally renowned professor of Ornamental Micropropagation and Cryopreservation.
The multi-phase research will include:
- In vitro germination to observe any morphological or physiological adaptations.
- Spectral imaging to assess seed integrity and viability without damage.
- Respiration tests to measure metabolic activity.
- Molecular analysis by a Brazilian collaborator to detect gene expression changes after space exposure.
“This research goes beyond agriculture,” said Oniosun. “It’s about food security, adaptability, and scientific sovereignty in space exploration. If egusi can survive and thrive in space, it opens new doors for other indigenous crops in extra-terrestrial agriculture.”
FUTA, Nigeria Celebrate Scientific Breakthrough
The development has sparked excitement within Nigeria’s academic and scientific community. Thus, FUTA’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Adenike Oladiji, praised the milestone:
“As the countdown begins, the world watches not just a rocket launch, but a symbol of African innovation hurtling beyond Earth’s atmosphere—seeded by home-grown potential, nurtured by academic excellence at the Federal University of Technology Akure, and now touching the stars.”
Dr. Temidayo Oniosun holds a Bachelor’s degree in Meteorology from FUTA (2016). A Master’s degree in Satellite Applications from the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, and earned his Ph.D. from the University of Delaware.
A Career Rooted in Space Innovation
Oniosun’s passion for space science began during his undergraduate years. In 2015, he led the FUTA Space Club to launch a high-altitude balloon into near space. That ambitious feat then earned national attention.
His accolades include:
- 2016 International Astronautical Federation Emerging Space Leadership Award.
- Elected Africa Regional Coordinator, Space Generation Advisory Council (2017–2021).
A Seed to the Stars, A Legacy for the Future
This mission is more than a scientific experiment—it is a symbol of Nigeria’s growing leadership in space exploration. Obviously, it is a testament to the untapped potential of indigenous African innovation.
As egusi seeds prepare to orbit Earth, they carry with them not only nutritional significance. But a message to the world: Africa is not just participating in the future of science—it is helping shape it.