Rose — a symbol of Earth, love, fleeting beauty. And suddenly it turns out to be at the center of cosmic experiments. First in orbit, then — in plans for Mars. What made serious scientists take up growing flowers in weightlessness and on another planet? The answer lies in psychology, biology, and our eternal need for the beautiful. We tell you how the rose conquered the cosmic space.

Rose on the "Mир" station: the first bud in weightlessness

In the late 1980s, Soviet scientists from the Institute of Medical and Biological Problems (IMBP) came up with an experiment: to grow a plant from seed to flower on board the orbital station "Mир". The choice fell on the rose — the most "human" flower. In 1990, a miniature greenhouse "Svetoblok" (an apparatus with a lamp and nutrient medium) was delivered to the station. Rose varieties were selected specifically — dwarf, resilient, fast-flowering ("Floribunda" and miniature "Stars and Stripes"). The experiment was called "Rose" (or "Rose"). According to legend, cosmonauts were supposed to observe the growth and record the stages. Problems began immediately: in weightlessness, water was distributed unevenly, roots suffocated, and pollen clogged the filters. The first cuttings died. But desperate scientists and cosmonauts (especially Viktor Afanasyev) persisted.

In 1991, a miracle happened: a rose bloomed on the "Mир" station (by other data — an orchid, but most sources say a rose). This was an incredible victory — the first flower in space. The petals were paler than those on Earth, and the scent was almost absent (due to the absence of gravity and changes in plant metabolism). Nevertheless, the photo of the rose in the porthole spread around the world. The experiment proved that higher plants can complete their cycle outside Earth. Later, roses were grown on the "Mир" station and the ISS, but already as part of the water recycling and psychological crew relief system. Unfortunately, many details of the experiments are classified, but the fact remains: the rose was the first queen of weightlessness.

Why do astronauts need roses

It seems that roses are impractical. Instead, you can carry food or fuel. But psychologists have long proven that green plants and flowers reduce anxiety and prevent depression in long-duration flights. Cosmonauts on the "Mир" station spent a year in isolation, without fresh air, and nature. Observing the bud, the process of caring for the plant gave them a sense of normalcy. The rose reminded them of home. Moreover, experiments with roses helped develop hydroponic systems for growing vegetables — lettuce, radishes. So the flower became a pioneer for the cosmic garden.

From the ISS to Mars: NASA's "Rose on the Red Planet" project

In the 2020s, NASA announced an ambitious program to prepare for the colonization of Mars. Among many projects is the cultivation of plants in Martian conditions. A special place is given to roses. In 2024, the "Mars Rose" experiment was launched: in a chamber simulating Martian soil (regolith), temperature (-60...+20°C) and atmosphere (95% CO2), attempts were made to grow dwarf roses. The first attempts failed — the roots did not develop due to the toxicity of perchlorates in regolith. But by 2026, scientists from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and the University of Florida found a solution: preliminary purification of the soil with bacteria (bioremediation) and the use of genetically modified rose seeds with cold and radiation resistance. The prototype of the "Rose-Greenhouse" greenhouse — a sealed dome with LED lighting, a drip irrigation system, and water recovery — is already being tested in the Atacama Desert (Chile), where conditions are similar to Martian ones.

According to the plan, the first real roses on Mars may bloom by 2035, when a manned mission will be sent there. Roses will perform not only an aesthetic but also a practical function: part of the biological life support system (absorption of CO2, release of O2). In addition, the petals of roses can be used to obtain essential oils (as an antidepressant). NASA even created an artistic concept of the "Martian Rose Garden" — a dome where colonists can rest, breathing the scent of earthly flowers.

Genetic engineering for Mars: blue roses and radiation

The Martian rose must be special. Scientists are already editing genes: adding bacterial genes (such as genes of extremophiles Deinococcus radiodurans) for protection from ultraviolet light and cosmic radiation. Sorts with thickened cuticles are being created to retain moisture. They are experimenting with pigmentation: in conditions of weak lighting, white or yellow petals (reflecting excess light) may be in demand, but blue and purple (for psychological effects) are also being considered. Interestingly, in space, petals may become semi-transparent — due to the absence of gravity, the cell structure changes. So the Martian rose may look almost alien.

Roses and psychology of Martian settlers

The journey to Mars will take 6-9 months, followed by at least two years of isolation on the planet. The psychological burden is colossal. Studies on the ISS have confirmed that plants, especially flowers, reduce cortisol levels. The rose with its scent and beauty is the best medicine for "space blues". In addition, caring for the flower (watering, pruning) gives structure to the day, a sense of normal life. Imagine: a colonist steps out of the hermetically sealed module in a spacesuit, and in the greenhouse, a crimson bud awaits him, reminiscent of Earth. Not surprisingly, NASA and Roscosmos are jointly developing the "Flower on Mars" program, which includes roses. According to some data, the Martian rose is even planned to be named after the first woman to step on the Red Planet.

What we learned from cosmic roses

Experiments on the "Mир" station and preparation for Martian missions have given a huge practical outcome. First, closed ecosystems for long-duration flights (in which plants process waste) have been developed. Second, methods of combating root rot in weightlessness (special soil substitutes are used) have been created. Third, stress-resistant varieties that can be grown in arid regions of Earth have appeared. Finally, the rose has become a symbol that humanity can carry life (and beauty) into the universe.

Criticism and problems: ethics and cost

There are also critics of projects to grow roses in space. They say that it would be better to send an additional amount of water or fuel instead of roses. The cost of delivering 1 kg of cargo to Mars is estimated at 2 million dollars, and one rose bush is several kilograms. Moreover, there will be a risk of contamination of Martian soil with Earth bacteria (an ethical issue). Therefore, roses are likely not to be sent in the first missions. But the supporters counter: the psychological health of colonists is no less important than a ton of water. And if we are talking about permanent presence, then an aesthetic environment is necessary.

Roses on the "Mир" station were the first to take off. Roses on Mars are a dream that is already taking on engineering features. And who knows, maybe in twenty years we will see a photo where an astronaut in a spacesuit is sniffing a Martian rose. For now — let's look at the earthly bushes and think: "We are also a bit of space."

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