NASA to distribute ‘moon tree’ seedlings grown on Earth from outer space

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Some extraterrestrial “moon trees” that have sprouted on the Artemis I lunar mission in outer space are set to be distributed on Earth, according to NASA.

Moon trees are trees grown from seeds that traveled around the moon with the goal of “spreading awareness of the space program, science, technology, and the environment.” The moon trees set to be distributed on Earth were 270,000 miles to lunar orbit and part of an uncrewed Orion test flight in 2022.

“It actually harkens back to Apollo 14 when astronaut Stuart Roosa brought tree seeds aboard and had an Apollo tree program,” Rob LaSalvia, NASA’s manager for STEM partnerships for the Office of STEM Engagement said.

A command pilot, Roosa took the seeds into lunar orbit aboard Apollo 14 in 1971. A former “smoke jumper” with the Forest Service, he was joined by Alan Shepard and Edgar Mitchell, who walked on the moon during the mission.

Upon returning to earth, the seeds were distributed to the White House, as well as Japan.

According to NASA, the moon trees set to be dispersed include sycamores, sweetgums, Douglas firs, loblolly pines, and giant sequoias. The “out of this world” were germinated while on Earth by the USDA’s Forest Service.

While growing, NASA asked teachers and custodians to become permanent “moon tree custodians,” of which 50 were selected to receive a moon tree.

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper received one of the first moon trees, a loblolly pine.

“North Carolina is firmly planting the roots of exploration for generations to come,” astronaut Christina Koch said. “It is an honor to share the excitement of space with students and future explorers in my home state. These students will make up the Artemis generation and allow humanity to accomplish big things in space and on Earth in the future.”