Are you an avid botanist or aspiring biologist?
Keen to know what it takes to grow plants in space?
Asian Herb in Space (AHiS)
3rd project of "Space Seeds for Asian Future" program
3rd project of "Space Seeds for Asian Future" program
AHiS is an annual space educational programme created by Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) in 2010 that provide youths and researchers in the Asia-Pacific region an opportunity to take part in space-related biology experiments and research.
It is one of the activities under the KIBO-ABC initiative, which aims to promote understanding and utilization of Japanese Experiment Module “KIBO” on International Space Station.
Participating students will get the exciting opportunity to be grow herbs on behalf of the astronauts on the International Space Station while researchers stand a chance to get exclusive access to space-flown herb seeds for research.
Objectives
- Provide participants an opportunity to learn about space biology through participation in experiments under peculiar space conditions, including microgravity
- Provide a unique context for participants to apply biology concepts in and pick up useful observation and data analysis skills
- Encourage youths to develop an interest in space and explore future career possibilities of being a space biologist
HADR 2021 PARTICIPANTS
Participation
- Over 1000 participants ranging from youths to researchers
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More than 10 countries in Asia-Pacific region, represented by KIBO-ABC members
e.g. Australian Space Agency (Australia), National Space Organization (Taiwan), etc.
In alignment with AHiS’ objectives, each KIBO-ABC member will plan a unique education programme for students in their country.
In 2021, Singapore Space & Technology Ltd (SSTL) will be participating as Singapore’s representative for the very first time and youths from various primary and secondary schools are invited to take part. SSTL will also distribute space-flown herb seeds to our exclusive researcher partners for research.
AHiS 2021 Missions
Mission 1: Space Growth Experiment
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Study the effects of microgravity on growth of Basil plant
Participating students will grow the Basil seeds provided by JAXA as ground control experiment for 30 days.
During the course of the programme,
- Students will be provided an assignment sheet by SSTL to aid their learning in topics such as space in general, significance of growing plants in space, germination process of plants and tips in making their own plant chambers to grow Basil
- Students will have to make observations, take photos and record plant growth height daily
- Students will be tasked to plot a graph using data collected and hypothesize how plant growth will be different in microgravity conditions
Mission 1 Requirements
- Students aged 9 - 17 years old studying in a Singaporean Primary/Secondary school
Mission 2: Space Travel Seeds Experiment
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Study how spaceflight affects biology and growth of herb seeds
Herb seeds will be flown on the ISS for 30 days and distributed to SSTL’s research partners.
- Researchers will utilize space-flown seeds to conduct experiments
- Researchers will have a chance to present their scientific analysis and findings to JAXA once they have concluded their research
*Due to highly competitive cargo space on the ISS, the space-flown seeds are limited.
Mission 2 Requirements
- Exclusive to SSTL's research partners only - please drop us an email if you are interested in collaborating as our research partner
KEYDATES
Partners

PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS


FAQ
Do I need to pay a registration fee to participate?
Administration fees may be charged for participation in AHiS. For more details, please contact Belinda:
Have any other questions? Send them our way!
Please contact Belinda:
registration
Calling out to all young budding scientists and researchers!
If you would like to join Asian Herb in Space or collaborate with us on the project in the future,
please kindly fill up the form* below and we will get back to you.
*Administrative fees may be charged for registration in Asian Herb in Space. To find out more details, please contact faith.tng@space.org.sg
*By registering for Asian Herb in Space, you agree that Singapore Space and Technology Limited (SSTL) may collect, use and disclose my personal data, as provided in the above form, or (if applicable) obtained by SSTL as a result of your registration, for the purpose of this programme in accordance with the Personal Data Protection Act. You also agree to all conditions stated in the following terms and conditions.