Weird spud on International Space Station sparks frenzy

By Dean Murray

A bizarre floating growth on the International Space Station has caused hilarious online comments.

NASA’s Don Pettit shared a picture of a potato he grew while onboard the orbiting platform.

However, the spud’s alien-like root growth was cause for funny responses by social media users.

Nicknaming his crop “Spudnik-1”, Don wrote: “I flew potatoes on Expedition 72 for my space garden, an activity I did in my off-duty time. This is an early purple potato, complete with spot of hook Velcro to anchor it in my improvised grow light terrarium.”

He explained: “Potatoes are one of the most efficient plants based on edible nutrition to total plant mass (including roots). Recognized by Andy Weir in his book/movie ‘The Martian’, potatoes will have a place in future exploration of space. So I thought it good to get started now!”

However, his followers on X (formerly Twitter) were not so keen on the quirky produce.

Darcus commented: “Bro I genuinely thought this was some kind of egg hatching.”

While Adéla Zelinková dramatically responded: “Kill it with fire!!!”

Don added: “The roots would grow in all directions absent gravity, and all plants I have ever grown in space have grown far slower than they would have on Earth.”

Pettit carried out the experiment during his time on NASA’s Expedition 72 mission aboard the ISS.