Project Exobiotanica, a groundbreaking initiative, has boldly expanded the frontiers of space exploration in a way that captures the imagination and challenges our traditional perceptions of whoâor whatâcan be an astronaut. For centuries, the vast expanse of space has been a realm reserved for the bravest human pioneers, with iconic figures like Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin etching their names in the annals of history. Yet, the narrative of space exploration is taking a fascinating turn, as Project Exobiotanica sends not humans, but plants on a voyage beyond the Earthâs atmosphere.
This intriguing twist to the tale of space exploration invites us to reconsider our place in the universe and the potential for life in its myriad forms to venture into the cosmos, reshaping our dreams and expanding the scope of whatâs considered possible.
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The idea of the project Exobiotanica is interesting and itâs truly an eye opener. Interestingly, it also reveals an additional artistic side of human beings.
Until 1900, humans believe that plants and trees are just for beauty and donât possess life, and then lo and behold. An Indian scientist â  J.C Bose â demonstrated to the world that plants do, in fact, possess life. Today, an artist who was renowned for his biological artistic works wants to convey a different sort of message to humans through his aesthetic oeuvre.
Azuma Makoto, a Japanese artist wanted to convey a new definition to the space flight. Space flight with humans and monkeys is already a known thing to us, but think about a plant in space. Sounds pretty good, right?
So according to this scheme, after humans and animals it is now time for plants to launch off from solid ground into outer space. When this kind of view arises, many peoples scoff at it, taking it as an inconceivable one. But, Azumo who was a pro in this aspect, has some other thoughts in his mind.
The project exobiotanica is an experimentation which is done by Azuma Mokato with the collaboration of JP-Aeropspace. In this experiment, he picked out one white pine bonsai tree which is about 50 years old and a flower bouquet made out of beautiful and vibrant colors. He places the bonsai tree in a specially designed box covered with a cube like structure built out of carbon fiber. The flesh is light weight and it gets to the bonsai tree to withstand in harsh climatic conditions.
Six GoPro video cameras were tied to it to capture the images in the outer space. This camera has the capability to record videos in 360 degrees. These cameras were designed by Fujifilm exclusively for this project. It also has a spot GPS tracker which was used to help resolve the image once it fell down back to dry ground.
He selected Siera Nevada, which is regarded as one of the most divinely beautiful of all the mountain-chains to launch this highly anticipated project. The Sacramento based JP Aerospace which is a volunteer organisation that makes and sends vessels into orbit helped him to bring his dream to reality.
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While explaining the project exobiotanica Azuma Makuto himself embellished the intention behind it. He says that
âPlants on the earth rooted in the soil, under the command of gravity. Roots, soil and gravity â by giving up the links to live, what kind of âbeautyâ shall be born? Within the harsh ânatureâ, at an attitude of 30,000 meters and minus 50 degrees Celsius, the plants evolve into exbiota (extraterrestrial life). A pine tree confronting the ridge line of the earth. A bouquet of flowers marching towards the sun hit by the intense wind. Freed from everything, the plants shall head to the space.â
So, the intention behind project exobiotanica is to observe the plant behavior, when it reaches outer space. We all know that, when humans acted against gravity, he loses his weight. So, what about a plant? This question made him to take up this project.
Project exobiotanica was conducted on 15th July. After putting up the tree and the bouquet in to the outer space, the consequences are as follows
Bonsai tree reached a peak of 91,800 foot (27.98 km) and then it fell back to the land. The position of the fallen tree is yet obscure.
The bouquet makes it upward to 87,000 ft (26.51 km) and then faded in the outer place.
The pictures which were being captured using those GoPro cameras were stunning and they were like a Sci-Fi movie. Project exobiotanica holds the spot for both art and science as well. Hence, I found it riveting.