From the Cederberg to the Stars: Rooibos Heads to Space
Small seeds from the rugged Cederberg are preparing to make an extraordinary journey.
Rooibos, one of South Africa’s most distinctive indigenous plants, is heading to the International Space Station as part of the groundbreaking Rooibos in Space programme. This pioneering initiative brings together agriculture, space science and education while giving young South Africans the opportunity to participate in an authentic scientific investigation.
For Annique Rooibos, whose heritage has been shaped by the remarkable potential of Rooibos, this is a proud moment. It places a plant that has been part of South African life for generations at the centre of an exciting new chapter in scientific discovery. The Rooibos in Space programme was conceptualised by the South African Rooibos Council and is being delivered in collaboration with MaxIQ Space with support from the South African National Space Agency (SANSA). The initiative was officially launched at Parklands College’s Innovation Centre in Cape Town where representatives from government, academia, agriculture, education and South Africa’s growing space economy gathered to mark the occasion. At the heart of the programme is a powerful idea: use a uniquely South African plant to help learners explore some of the most advanced scientific questions of our time. Rooibos grows naturally in only a specific region of South Africa, with the Cederberg and surrounding areas providing the climate and soil conditions it needs to thrive. Its ability to flourish in this demanding environment makes it a compelling subject for research into plant resilience and environmental stress. The project will now explore how Rooibos responds to conditions far beyond its natural home. Rooibos seeds are scheduled to travel to the International Space Station in October. During their time in space, the seeds will be exposed to microgravity and space radiation for several weeks before returning to Earth. Once they return, the space-travelled seeds will be planted alongside control seeds that remained on Earth. Researchers and learners will then compare the two groups by examining: The results could provide valuable insight into how Rooibos responds to space conditions and environmental stress. They may also contribute to a broader international body of research investigating how plants can support future space exploration. As space agencies prepare for longer missions to the Moon, Mars and beyond, scientists are investigating how humans could live and work away from Earth for extended periods. Plants may play an essential role in these future living systems. They could provide food, support oxygen production, assist with resource recycling and contribute to the physical and emotional well-being of astronauts. Previous experiments aboard the International Space Station have demonstrated that crops such as lettuce can grow in microgravity. Research involving peas, soybeans and other plants has also helped scientists understand how altered gravity and environmental stress affect plant development. These discoveries are not only relevant to space travel. Learning how plants adapt to extreme conditions could also support agricultural resilience on Earth as farmers face changing climates, water limitations and other environmental challenges. Rooibos will now become part of this fascinating field of study. One of the most meaningful aspects of Rooibos in Space is the role young people will play in the experiment. Learners from seven schools in the Cederberg region, the birthplace of Rooibos, will participate in the investigation. Working alongside local Rooibos farms, they will plant seeds, observe growth, collect information and analyse their findings as part of a structured scientific study. A parallel experiment will also take place at Parklands College to provide additional comparative data. This gives learners an opportunity to move beyond textbook-based science. They will experience the real process of developing questions, observing variables, recording results and drawing evidence-based conclusions. The extended STEM education programme will introduce participants to space science, plant biology, sustainable agriculture and data analysis. It is aligned with curriculum outcomes while connecting classroom learning to a real international space mission. The project demonstrates what becomes possible when education, agriculture, government, industry and science work together. Dawie de Villiers, Director of the South African Rooibos Council, described the programme as an intersection between South Africa’s agricultural heritage, scientific research and education. The initiative also reflects the importance of developing scientific literacy and creating opportunities for young people to see themselves as future researchers, engineers and innovators. Judi Sandrock of MaxIQ Space highlighted the value of giving learners access to real scientific processes. By participating in an active mission, learners can develop practical problem-solving, data analysis and critical-thinking skills that may prepare them for careers within the growing global space economy. The project is further supported by SANSA, which plays an important role in Earth observation, space science, engineering, space operations and skills development in South Africa. During the launch, speakers also encouraged learners to remain curious and open to the many different career pathways available within science and technology. The excitement will extend beyond the participating schools. Learners from across South Africa will be invited to design the official Rooibos in Space mission patch during July and August. This national initiative will allow more young people to engage creatively with the mission while learning about the purpose and symbolism of mission patches. Public engagement will continue as the project progresses towards the October flight. Updates, learner activities and important mission milestones will allow South Africans to follow the seeds from the Cederberg to the International Space Station and back to Earth. Rooibos has always been more than a plant. It represents South African heritage, resourcefulness and a remarkable relationship between nature and place. From its beginnings in the Cederberg to its growing international recognition, Rooibos continues to demonstrate its ability to connect people through wellness, research and innovation. Now its journey is extending beyond our planet. At Annique Rooibos, we are proud to celebrate a development that honours the heritage of Rooibos while opening new possibilities for science, education and future generations. Seeds may be small, but within them lies the potential for extraordinary discovery. This time, that discovery begins in the Cederberg and continues among the stars.
A proudly South African mission
What will happen to the Rooibos seeds?
Why are scientists studying plants in space?
Learners become part of the scientific process
Inspiring South Africa’s next generation
Designing a mission for South Africa
Rooted in heritage and reaching towards the future
