“NASA has successfully grown lettuce, leafy greens, and peppers using the Veggie and Advanced Plant Habitat (APH) programs.”

“NASA astronaut Don Pettit shared a picture of a purple, egg-shaped object with 'tentacles' from the International Space Station (ISS).”

“The purple, egg-shaped object with 'tentacles' is a potato grown in space.”

“Potatoes can be purple due to high levels of anthocyanins.”

“Don Pettit grew an orbiting potato named 'Spudnik-1' on the International Space Station.”

“Don Pettit has spent a total of 590 days in orbit across four space missions since 2002.”

“Don Pettit has captured photos of comets C/2023 A3 and C/2024 G3, as well as the October 2024 aurora display from the International Space Station.”

“NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), the German Aerospace Centre (DLR), and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) are developing technologies to grow food in space for long-duration missions and settlements.”

“The European Space Agency (ESA) focuses on bioregenerative systems that involve growing food from microorganisms and stem cells, as well as lab-grown food.”

“The German Aerospace Centre (DLR) focuses on automated greenhouse techniques for space farming and uses these techniques in Antarctica studies.”

“Key technologies in space food-growing include hydroponics, which grows plants in nutrient-rich water, and bioreactors that convert yeast or bacterial fermentation into protein.”

“Potatoes are recognized by Andy Weir in his book/movie 'The Martian' as an efficient plant for space exploration.”