The following news was sent to me via an email press release:
Israeli chickpea seeds were among the supplies and equipment sent to the International Space Station (ISS) today, February 19, 2022, for a series of experiments aimed at controlling growth of crops via technology. Contained for optimal growth in a small device called a “miniature greenhouse,” they will be delivered as part of Northrop Grumman’s 17th commercial resupply services mission to the ISS, aboard its Cygnus spacecraft. These special greenhouses are also well-suited for travel to the moon, which will be the next step of the mission.
The Cygnus spacecraft, carrying 8,300 pounds of science investigations and cargo, is scheduled to arrive at the space station on Monday, Feb. 21.
The chickpeas are part of a project called “Space Hummus,” which will test hydroponic techniques for plant growth in zero gravity.
A superfood with high nutritional value, chickpeas grow quickly and easily, making them ideal for space cultivation.
Cue the haters accusing us of
…attempting to colonize the moon (as they did almost three years ago, following Israel’s failed Beresheet moon landing, and then following news the spacecraft was carrying DNA samples of microscopic water bears)
…cultural appropriation of Palestinian chickpea seeds (or as DouchebloggerTM Richard Silverstein calls them, Palestinian garbanzo beans)
…space-washing
…supplying ISIS with food
Instead of complaining, perhaps they can all encourage the Palestinian Space Agency to bring up some Palestinian Medjool dates or something.
