Riverland images taken by astronaut from International Space Station

THIS is the state’s majestic Riverland captured like never before, the region’s lush green paddocks and meandering waterways photographed from the darkness of space.

Renmark seen from the ISS with River Murray winding through heavily irrigated country surrounding it. Picture: NASA

THIS is the state’s majestic Riverland captured like never before, the region’s lush green paddocks and meandering waterways photographed from the darkness of space.

A series of stunning images was taken by an astronaut aboard the International Space Station’s expedition crew in January.

They show in minute detail how primary production dramatically changes the appearance of the land, creating distinctive agricultural patterns.

The International Space Station.

A NASA spokesperson said the “use of a powerful lens makes it possible to see individual buildings in the small towns, a bridge joining the towns, and one of the many locks on the river”.

The diversity of the land in Renmark, just one of several major SA towns along the River Murray, can be seen in the pictures. Small farm plots can be seen clustered along the river bank, in a the region boasting a mix of grapevines, almond groves and stone-fruit orchards, including peaches, apricots and citrus crops.

Image from the ISS south of Renmark, of farmed landscapes contrasting with arid landscape. Picture: NASA

More than half of South Australia’s famed wine production comes from this area. South of Renmark, farmed landscapes contrast with the surrounding arid landscape in which “rounded ancient dunes stand south of the settlement of Taldra”, according to notes from the ISS.

The mission of the expedition includes biotechnological research, human research, Earth and space science.

Researchers have also been investigating how lighting can change the overall health and wellbeing of crew members, how microgravity can affect the genetic properties of space-grown plants, and how microgravity affects tissue regeneration in humans.

Originally published as Riverland images taken by astronaut from International Space Station