The results showed that,while the space seeds grew more slowly and were more sensitive to ageing,they were still able to survive.

Peake said,"When humans travel to Mars,they will need to find ways to feed themselves, and this research helps us understand some of the biology of seed storage and germination(发芽） which will be important for future space missions."

The Royal Horticultural Society(RHS)tasked schools and groups across Britain to take part in the controlled study,recording their results as a scientist would.

It was part of a project called Rocket Science,led by the RHS Campaign for School Gardening,in partnership with the UK Space Agency.

RHS manager Alana Cama said,“The Rocket Science experiment opened a window into space biology and allowed young people to be at the forefront(前沿）of creative research."

＂This research project did more than just inspire;it furthered our understanding of the challenges around growing plants in unusual environments and the possibility of growing food on long-term space missions in the future.Inspiring a new generation of botanists and biologists will remain our goal to enrich everyone's lives through plants.”