Space Clover with Glücksklee (GotG48)

In the latest episode, Emma the Space Gardener talks with two young scientists, Pia Bensch and Nils Wörz, from a team of students working on a space plant experiment. Glücksklee will spend a month on the ISS next year, exploring the relationship between a clover-like plant (Medicago truncatula) and its symbiotic bacteria (Sinorhizobium meliloti).

01:20 We meet Pia and Nils from Glücksklee.

02:18 Pia and Nils explain how they came to be sending plants into space.

04:20 Winning the Überflieger 2 competition

08:45 The Glücksklee experiment

14:12 What’s the next stage in the process?

19:05 Pia and Nils choose their Fantasy Space Plants

During the interview, Pia mentions notable astrobotanist Dr John Kiss, who was the star of episode 5!

You can follow the progress of the experiment on Twitter @Gluecksklee2ISS and Instagram @Gluecksklee2ISS.

Hello, and welcome to episode 48 of Gardeners of the Galaxy, the podcast for all of the sentient beings in the universe who have a passion for plants. I’m Emma the Space Gardener, and I will be your host as we explore gardening on Earth… and beyond.

In this episode, we will be hearing from two young scientists from Germany, part of a team of students that has won a competition to design an experiment for microgravity. Their experiment examining the relationship between a clover-like plant and symbiotic bacteria will hitch a ride on a SpaceX rocket early next year and spend a month in orbit on the International Space Station. 

Before we hear from Pia and Nils though, I would like to give a big shout-out to the wonderful people who support this show with financial contributions that really do make a difference. From just £1 a month, you can join our community of space gardeners and help me keep the