PHOTOS: Astronaut captures first flower to grow in space

It’s blooming good news for astronauts aboard the International Space Station as the first ever flowers come into blossom. U.S. astronaut Scott Kelly tweeted a picture of the orange zinnia flowers, writing: “First ever flower grown in space makes its debut!”.

“How does your garden grow? Here’s how my #spaceflower came to bloom #YearInSpace,” Kelly wrote on his Twitter account.

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In May 2014, NASA decided to experiment with growing plants in space by installing the veggie plant growth facility on the International Space Station. This installation may help expand in-orbit food production capabilities, and offer astronauts fresh food.

It took 20 monthsbefore the first flower grew in the orbiting laboratory in early May of 2014.