NASA sent 10 million basil seeds to space, reaching nearly 1 million students

A seed does not look like much. Tucked into a packet, it is barely noticeable, carrying the promise of a plant in a form that seems almost impossibly small. But in 2007, millions of them became part of an experiment that linked a Space Shuttle mission, classrooms across the US and a much bigger question: could humans one day grow plants on the Moon?On August 8, 2007, Space Shuttle Endeavour lifted off on its STS-118 mission carrying approximately 10 million cinnamon basil seeds as part of NASA’s Education Payload Operations – Educator programme. The seeds were being carried by teacher-turned-astronaut Barbara Morgan, who was finally making her long-awaited journey into space after a 22-year wait.Morgan’s presence gave the educational mission an added significance.