From seeds to space: Hungary's astro-farmers plan a giant leap

Hungary is taking new steps to grow its space industry — and it starts with seeds.

Inside a vertical farm near Budapest, researchers at EGreen Farming Solutions are building technology that may one day help sustain life beyond Earth. The plants grow without soil, rain or sunlight — thriving under LED lights in stacked, climate-controlled trays.

"The connection between the vertical farms and space is quite close because in space or any other planet you can't really rely on soil, fungi or rain," said Petra Valent, CEO of EGreen Farming Solutions. "So you need a fully controlled environment — and that is a vertical farm. The technology we use on Earth today can support human life in space tomorrow."

Last year, Valent's company helped send seeds into orbit as part of a Hungarian mission to test how radiation and zero gravity affect plant growth. The project, led by the Orion Foundation, is part of a wider national effort to develop space-based research.

"We sent 24 selected plant species," said Roland Mezter, head of science at the Orion Foundation. "Unfortunately, the first mission wasn't completely successful because we couldn't receive the seeds back. 

"But we are working hard for the next mission — coming in about eight to nine months — to send the next batch of seeds, hopefully receive them back this time, and do the analysis."

Among the new samples will be apple, pear, pine and Hungarian tree seeds — chosen for their resilience and symbolism.

"We're sending some new ones — especially Hungarian seeds — and seeds from trees," Valent said. "Because at one time in the future, we will have to be living on another planet. We'll try to make it green so it feels a little bit like Earth."

For Hungary's growing space sector, the experiment represents both science and spirit.

"For astronauts, besides food, the psychological effect of the plants and greens they can see in space reminds them of Earth — and it has a big effect on their psychological state," Valent added.

The initiative reflects Hungary's 2021 National Space Strategy, which focuses on industry growth, international partnerships and education.

"Hungary produced a space strategy in 2021 with three key pillars — develop the internal space industry, promote it internationally, and educate the workforce. All three of those pillars are being fulfilled," said Don Koulauzos, managing director of Skytreck Limited.

According to McKinsey, the global space economy could reach $1.8 trillion by 2035.

"Space isn't just for big enterprises — everyone can have a piece of that action," Koulauzos said.

As Hungary's next astronaut, Gyula Cserényi, prepares for launch under the HUNOR program, scientists at home continue their work.

From labs to orbit, Hungary's journey shows how a small nation can plant the seeds for a much larger dream.