Scientists grow plants in lunar dirt, next stop moon
Scientists have used lunar soil collected during Apollo missions to grow plants for the first time.
The results have been deemed promising enough that NASA is envisioning hothouses on the Moon for the next generation of lunar explorers.
Researchers from the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences last year planted thale cress in soil collected by Apollo 11's Neil Armstrong,
All the seeds sprouted but the plants ended up stunted, scientists revealed in results published on Thursday.
The team of experts said they were initially dubious but are now planning to repeat the experiment with greater success.
NASA is looking into whether astronauts could set up hothouses on the Moon