In 2023, NASA grew tomatoes for 100 days aboard the space station; ground plants produced more than 100, while the space crop yielded 12 and was not eaten

NASA's tomato experiment on the International Space Station faced major hurdles in microgravity, where watering issues resulted in uneven moisture levels and stressed plants. Out of the entire endeavor, only twelve tomatoes succeeded in ripening, demonstrating the stark differences in yield compared to Earth. Unfortunately, astronauts were unable to sample the crop due to contamination concerns. This experience underscores the crucial role of Earth in agricultural practices.