Feb 09, 2021 11:04 PM EST In 1971, approximately 500 seeds of various species were launched into orbit; it circled the moon 34 times before returning to Earth, where they were then planted in various locations across the globe. NASA sent 400 to 500 seeds into space to see if they would be altered. In 1971, the seeds went along with the Apollo 14 mission and circled the moon 34 times. They planted them in the US, Europe, and South America. The spouted plant is referred to as 'Moon Trees' by the agency, and there are 83 overall. Unfortunately, about a third of the trees have died since being planted in the 1970s.