In a funny and unexpected twist, the International Space Station (ISS) has celebrated its 25 years orbiting in space with the discovery of a long-lost tomato, initially thought to have been consumed by NASA astronaut Frank Rubio after an off-Earth harvest in March.
According to Space.com, the miniature Red Robin dwarf tomato, measuring just 1-inch-wide (2.5 centimeters), had been part of the final harvest for the Veg-05 experiment, diligently tended by Rubio through its growing pains.
Following the March 29 harvest, each ISS astronaut received tomato samples. However, Rubio's portion, secured in a Ziploc bag, slipped away in the microgravity environment before he could enjoy a single bite.
The Mysterious Disappearance of Frank Rubio's Tomato
The tomato's mysterious disappearance became a humorous anecdote for Frank Rubio during his time aboard the ISS. The incident was first publicly mentioned on September 13, when Rubio's 371 days in orbit made him the American with the record for the longest spaceflight.
During a livestreamed event celebrating his record-breaking tenure aboard ISS, he shared his humorous take on the matter. Despite the humor, Rubio spent considerable effort searching for the elusive tomato, playfully expressing his confidence that the "desiccated tomato" would vindicate him in the future.
The vastness of the ISS, larger than a six-bedroom house, and the microgravity made the search harder as things can easily float away to unexpected corners.
During a press conference on October 13, Rubio, who had already returned to Earth, shared his frustration at the tomato's continued absence, humorously claiming to have devoted "18 to 20 hours" searching for it.
He speculated that the tomato, which likely desiccated beyond recognition due to the low humidity on the ISS, may have been discarded unknowingly.
While the lost tomato added a whimsical element to Rubio's mission, he also shared the emotional challenges of spending an extended period away from family and friends.
Reflecting on the unexpected delays during his mission, Rubio acknowledged the difficulties but expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support and prayers from the community.
Read Also: NASA Astronaut Frank Rubio Sets New US Record for Longest Spaceflight After 371 Days in Space
The Discovery of the Missing Tomato Inside the ISS
In Wednesday's livestreamed event to celebrate the ISS's 25th anniversary, a NASA crewmember made a confession. Toward the end of the talks, astronaut Jasmin Moghbeli said they "might have found something that someone had been looking for for quite awhile."
"Our good friend Frank Rubio who headed home has been blamed for quite awhile for eating the tomato. But we can exonerate him... we found the tomato," Moghbeli noted as she and her crewmates shared a laugh.
The discovery of the long-lost tomato provides a unique insight into the unpredictable nature of life aboard the ISS and the challenges astronauts face in maintaining a sense of normalcy.
While the tomato may not have the revolutionary significance often associated with space exploration, its whimsical journey highlights the human side of scientific endeavors in the vastness of space.
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