Nigerian space scientist, Temidayo Oniosun, has revealed that selecting egusi meant representing the country’s heritage aboard the International Space Station (ISS) while contributing to scientific exploration on a global level.

Oniosun said this in an exclusive interview with The Guardian, following the historic feat of the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) alumnus in sending egusi to outer space.

In this interview, he also spoke about his desire to see Nigeria participate in global research on food security in space as part of emerging space nations.

Excerpt…

Can you please tell us about the motivation behind this project and why egusi? How did the idea first come to you?

I wanted Nigeria to participate in global research on food security in space. As part of Emerging Space Nations: Space for Agriculture and Agriculture for Space, developed by Jaguar Space and The Karman Project, I proposed sending egusi.

It Is culturally significant, nutritionally dense, and widely consumed across Nigeria. Selecting egusi meant representing our heritage aboard the ISS while contributing to scientific exploration.

The idea was born during discussions within the Karman Community, where national representatives pitched seed payload proposals. I argued for egusi based on its cultural value, food security relevance, and potential scientific interest. Jaguar Space took the lead on mission integration, and together we prepared Nigeria’s first space-bound payload.

What organizations or space agencies are involved in the mission?

This mission is a collaboration between Jaguar Space (mission integrator, scientific coordination) and The Karman Project (international outreach and leadership). The rocket launch is carried out by SpaceX aboard the Crew?11 mission, operated through communications with NASA and the ISS programe.

Have you received any interesting reactions from Nigerians about the project—curiosity, questions, and the likes?

The reaction has been overwhelmingly positive. Messages from friends, journalists, and strangers alike expressed pride and curiosity. The story trended across Nigeria, with many celebrating the idea that something as local as egusi is now part of space history.

What’s the significance of sending a Nigerian agricultural product into space, especially from Oyo State?

This marks the first time any agricultural product from West Africa, and the first object from Nigeria, has entered orbit. Egusi is deeply tied to Nigerian cuisine. Sending it off into space shows that our heritage matters in global research and innovation spaces.

What exactly will happen to the egusi seeds while in space?

The seeds are on board the ISS for several days, exposed to microgravity and space radiation. After returning with Crew?10, they will be analyzed at the University of Florida and IITA Ibadan. Scientists will test germination, gene expression, metabolic changes, and viability—comparing them to control samples.

What are the scientific or agricultural goals of this mission? Also, what kind of data or results are you hoping to get once the seeds return?

On the scientific and agricultural goals, we are studying how traditional crops handle spaceflight conditions. Data on germination rates, lipid metabolism, stress markers, and structural integrity will inform future efforts in space-based agriculture and climate-resilient food systems on Earth.

How will conditions in space (e.g., microgravity, radiation) affect the seeds?

Microgravity may alter water absorption, cellular structure, and gene regulation. Radiation can trigger mutations or stress responses. The goal is to observe these effects closely and understand how these crops adapt or decline in space.

Are there plans to replant or study these seeds back in Nigeria after the mission?

Yes. After lab testing in Florida and at IITA, we plan follow-up trials in Nigeria to assess germination, growth patterns, and any viable variations. This could lead to new agricultural insights and innovations.

How were the seeds selected, preserved, and prepared for space travel?

Egusi seeds were sourced from Oyo State. They were cleaned, moisture-adjusted, and packed in NASA-approved canisters. Jaguar Space and NASA certified sterilization, payload compliance, and safe handling protocols before launch.

How long will the egusi remain on the International Space Station (ISS)?

The seeds launched aboard Crew?11 on August 1 and docked with the ISS on August 3. They will remain in orbit for several days and return with Crew?10 around August 7 or 8. Total orbit duration is a few days.

Were there any technical or regulatory challenges you faced in getting this approved?

On the regulatory and technical challenges we faced, we navigated strict biosecurity and payload certification processes, including export?import compliance and coordination with NASA. Jaguar Space and The Karman Project facilitated every step, ensuring legal and technical readiness.

This is the first time anything from Nigeria is going to space. What exactly does this mean to you?

What it means personally, this is deeply meaningful. Coming from a background where I started a university space club at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), it feels like a full-circle moment to now launch Nigeria’s identity into orbit. It is both a professional achievement and cultural affirmation.

What does this mean for African representation in global space and agricultural research?

This mission represents a turning point: African seeds and African scientists leading global scientific inquiry. It opens a door for more inclusive representation in space research and highlights traditional knowledge as a key contributor to innovation.

Do you see this as a symbolic moment for Nigerian innovation or a practical step towards future space-agriculture collaboration?

Symbolically, egusi carries our culture into orbit. Practically, it tests African crops under new conditions. It sets the stage for future collaborations in space agriculture that can benefit Earth-bound food systems.

As a Nigerian space scientist, what has this journey been like for you personally?

Personally, as a scientist, this journey has been a blend of foresight and perseverance. From mentoring FUTA students in the campus space club to becoming Forbes 30 Under 30 and now leading a payload to space, I’ve seen African potential unfold across science, culture, and policy.

What message do you hope this mission sends to young Nigerians and Africans interested in science and space?

My message to young Nigerians and Africans is that if egusi, a simple seed from home, can go to space, you can too. Let this mission remind young people that innovation, culture, and identity belong in rooms we once thought unreachable. This shows that an African story can have global significance. (The Guardian)