TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Red quinoa seeds that spent seven months aboard the International Space Station have returned to their native soil in Taitung as part of an international space research initiative.

The seeds were selected for the “Asian Herb in Space” project, a collaborative effort under the Kibo-ABC program initiated by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. The program aims to encourage space-based research through the Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum by promoting the use of Japan's Kibo laboratory module aboard the ISS, per CNA.

Taiwan chose four crops to participate in the project, including red quinoa, Phalaenopsis equestris, bell peppers, and sunflowers. These seeds were sent to space in late 2020, along with samples from seven other countries.

The seeds were stored inside the Kibo module and returned to Earth after seven months in orbit. They were then cultivated and studied by National Chung Hsing University and several other schools in Taiwan.

Wu Cheng-chung (吳正忠), who played a key role in facilitating the quinoa’s return to Taitung, emphasized the importance of community engagement in the project. The red quinoa is a traditional Indigenous crop, so it is vital to bring it back to its roots, Wu said.

The native quinoa is one of Taiwan's traditional Indigenous crops, particularly common in the Rukai and Paiwan tribes. It is primarily used as a yeast for brewing millet wine and a headpiece for ceremonial rituals.

Wu coordinated with the Taiwan Space Agency to ensure the seeds would be returned to the Tjuabal tribe in Daren Township, allowing residents to reconnect with a crop that had journeyed to space. In a symbolic gesture, some red quinoa seeds were planted Tuesday in Daren.

Students from the Tuban Vusam Cultural Experimental Elementary School will care for the plants and document their growth as part of a hands-on educational initiative. The students were curious, expressing interest in the unique journey of the quinoa seeds.

Taitung education director Tsai Mei-yao (蔡美瑤) said that although the national rocket launch site is in Pingtung, Taitung is keeping pace in promoting space education. The collaboration between the elementary school and the space agency marks a starting point, with plans to further integrate space technology trends into the curriculum to help students develop diverse talents.