Representatives from the South African Rooibos Council, SANSA, MaxIQ Space and project partners pose during the launch of the Rooibos in Space initiative in Cape Town. Photo credit: South African Rooibos Council

NNA News - South Africa's rooibos seeds are set to become the first indigenous plant species from the country, and the first seeds from Africa, to be sent to space as part of a scientific research project announced by the South African National Space Agency (SANSA). The initiative, known as Rooibos in Space, was launched in Cape Town on Thursday and will examine how exposure to space conditions affects the growth and resilience of rooibos plants.

According to SANSA, the seeds will be launched aboard a commercial spacecraft to the International Space Station (ISS) in October. They will remain in orbit for several weeks, exposed to microgravity and space radiation before returning to Earth in December or January. Once back in South Africa, the seeds will be planted alongside a control group that remained on Earth. Researchers will compare germination, growth, resilience and yield as part of a scientific study and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education programme.

Rooibos is indigenous to South Africa's Cederberg region in the Western Cape and is used to produce a naturally caffeine-free herbal tea exported to markets around the world. The project was developed by the South African Rooibos Council (SARC) in partnership with space education company MaxIQ Space, with support from SANSA.

Learners from schools in South Africa's Cederberg region join organisers and partners during the launch of the Rooibos in Space initiative in Cape Town. Students will participate in research comparing rooibos seeds exposed to space with those grown on Earth. Photo credit: South African Rooibos Council

Learners will conduct post-flight research at seven schools in the Cederberg, where rooibos is commercially cultivated. SARC Director Dawie de Villiers said the project combines agricultural research with science education. "Rooibos has long been part of South Africa's agricultural heritage. This project places it within a broader scientific context, where plant biology, space research, and education intersect."

He said the initiative also highlights the importance of investing in scientific literacy and developing future researchers and innovators. To encourage wider public participation, SANSA said learners from across South Africa will be invited to design the official mission patch during July and August.