Rose — a symbol of Earth, love, and fleeting beauty. Suddenly, it finds itself at the center of cosmic experiments. First in orbit, then in plans for Mars. What prompted serious scientists to take on the task of growing flowers in zero gravity 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 Mir Space Station: The First Blossom in Zero Gravity

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 Mir orbital station. 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, and fast-blooming ("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 zero gravity, water distributed unevenly, roots suffocated, and pollen clogged the filters. The first cuttings died. But the desperate scientists and cosmonauts (including Viktor Afanasyev) persevered.

In 1991, a miracle happened: a rose (or orchid, according to some sources, but most sources say rose) bloomed on the Mir station. 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 lack of gravity and changes in plant metabolism). Nevertheless, the photo of the rose in the porthole went viral around the world. The experiment proved that higher plants can complete their full cycle outside Earth. Later, roses were grown on Mir and the ISS, but as part of the water recycling and psychological relief systems for the crew. Unfortunately, the details of many experiments remain classified, but the fact remains: the rose was the first queen of zero gravity.

Why Do Cosmonauts Need Roses

It seems that roses are impractical. Instead of them, one can carry food or fuel. But psychologists have long proven that green plants and flowers reduce anxiety and prevent depression during long-duration flights. Cosmonauts on Mir spent a year in isolation, without fresh air or nature. Observing a bud, caring for a 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 and 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 regolith (regolith), temperature (-60...+20°C), and atmosphere (95% CO2), efforts were made to grow dwarf roses. The first attempts failed — the roots did not develop due to the toxicity of perchlorates in the regolith. But by 2026, scientists from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and the University of Florida found a solution: preliminary cleaning 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, drip irrigation, and water recovery — is already being tested in the Atacama Desert (Chile), where conditions are similar to those on Mars.

According to the plan, the first real roses on Mars may bloom by 2035, when a manned mission is sent there. Roses will not only have an aesthetic but also a practical function: part of the life support system (absorption of CO2, release of O2). In addition, rose petals can be used to obtain essential oil (as an antidepressant). NASA even created an artistic concept of the "Martian Rose Garden" — a dome where colonists can rest, breathing the aroma 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 against ultraviolet light and cosmic radiation. Varieties with thickened cuticles are being created to retain moisture. They are experimenting with pigmentation: in conditions of weak lighting, white or yellow petals (which reflect excess light) may be in demand, but blue and purple are also being considered (for psychological effects). Interestingly, in space, petals may become translucent — due to the absence of gravity, the structure of cells 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. Research on the ISS has confirmed that plants, especially flowers, reduce cortisol levels. The rose with its scent and beauty is the best medicine for "space blues". Moreover, caring for the flower (watering, pruning) gives structure to the day, a sense of normal life. Imagine: a colonist steps out of a sealed module in a spacesuit, and in the greenhouse he is greeted by a crimson bud, reminiscent of Earth. Not surprisingly, NASA and Roscosmos are jointly developing the "Flower on Mars" program, which includes roses. According to some reports, the Martian rose is even planned to be named after the first woman to step on the Red Planet.

What We Learned from Space Roses

Experiments on Mir and preparation for Martian missions have given a huge practical outcome. Firstly, closed ecosystems for long-duration flights (in which plants process waste) have been developed. Secondly, methods for combating root rot in zero gravity (special soil substitutes are used) have been created. Thirdly, 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 it would be better to send an extra load of water or fuel instead of roses. The cost of delivering 1 kg of cargo to Mars is estimated at 2 million dollars, and a rose bush is several kilograms. Moreover, there will be a risk of contamination of Martian soil with Earth bacteria (an ethical issue). Therefore, it is likely that roses will not be sent in the first missions. But the proponents counter: the psychological health of colonists is just as important as a ton of water. And if we talk about permanent presence, then an aesthetic environment is necessary.

Roses on Mir became the first pioneers. Roses on Mars are a dream that is already taking on engineering form. And who knows, maybe in twenty years we will see a photo where an astronaut in a spacesuit smells a Martian rose. For now, we look at the Earthly bushes and think: "We are a bit of space too."

Permanent link to this publication: