CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — A professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is taking his experiments to new heights at the International Space Station (ISS). 

Dr. Simon Gilroy is a botany professor at the university. An experiment he and colleagues have been working on for the past three years is now making its way to the ISS after being launched Thursday. 

The experiment looks at how gravity impacts cotton growth. Gilroy said it could have practical application in agriculture, by making it more sustainable to grow. 

“Cotton uses a tremendous amount of water,” said Gilroy. “There are a lot of programs to look at how to improve the cotton plant to make it more drought resistant to move down the amount of water you need to grow it.” 

Gilroy said it's a proud opportunity to showcase the science and research that takes place at UW-Madison.