Student Science in Space Benefits Earth – ISS National Lab

Space affects iron levels in astronauts bodies, and a team of students from the Midland region of Texas wants to know if studying iron levels of fruit flies in space can unlock some answers about bone health in astronauts. Project Bones joined two other investigations from student-led teams launching to the International Space Station (ISS) on SpaceXs 30th Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) mission, contracted by NASA, in March. In addition to Project Bones, students also sought answers to questions about yeast growth in microgravity versus Earth and the ability of a fungus to provide protection from radiation.

The three investigations, sponsored by the ISS National Laboratory, were chosen through a series of nationwide events as part of the Higher Orbits Go For Launch! program. In the multi-day space-inspired workshops, students learn about teamwork, communication, and leadership through science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). At the events, teens in grades 7-12 are broken into teams for daily challenges and have the opportunity to work with an astronaut.

On the last day, the groups compete to turn their ideas into realitylaunching their project to the space station. To prepare for launch, the winning teams work collaboratively with ISS National Lab Commercial Service Provider Space Tango to automate their experiments for a 30-day stay on the space station, utilizing Space Tangos CubeLab for the flight.

Im always surprised by these students, said Michelle Lucas, founder and CEO of Higher Orbits, which organizes the Go For Launch! events. Weve done 60-plus events, and at every event, I learn something from them. They come up with ideas and science I wouldnt think of. More than 2,000 students have taken part in Higher Orbits since 2016, and the chance to inspire students to pursue STEM careers is what Lucas says, fuels me every day.

The three winning Go For Launch! teams traveled to Kennedy Space Center to watch their experiments launch on NASAs SpaceX CRS-30 mission on March 21, 2024, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

Fruit Flies Take Flight

Iron levels in astronauts tend to increase during spaceflight, which can negatively affect bone health. Fruit flies dont have human-like bonesthey have exoskeletons on the outsides of their bodiesbut varying their diets while in space could provide clues about iron levels during spaceflight. Project Bones, from Team TARS in Midland, Texas, seeks to test the effects of diet variations in fruit flies and their iron levels while on station. The students hypothesize that if a specific diet can alter iron levels in fruit flies in microgravity, then establishing a structured diet regimen may be a solution to mitigate the negative effects of microgravity on astronauts iron levels and bone health in space.

Lucas said its one piece of the puzzle. It doesnt address bone health issues related to calcium, but if you can attack the problem from multiple sides, its a good thing.

Cells in Space

The Space Shell 6 student team from Sault Ste Marie, Michigan, will measure and compare yeast growth in microgravity and on Earth. Cellular respiration in yeast can mimic that in animal cells, so it may be possible to use yeast to study how microgravity influences the health of cells instead of using animals like mice. The team is sending vials of yeast to see how spaceflight data may be compared with data from vials of yeast grown on the ground. The team members hypothesize that the yeast will grow in space, but not as well as on Earth.

With this, we do not have to send animals into space, said Siri Olson from team Space Shell 6, but we can still measure how life grows and develops in a space environment.

Radiation-Ruggedizing Fungus

Protecting electronics from the harsh conditions of space is a constant challenge. The students of Team 229312 from Phoenix, Arizona, are building on a previous Higher Orbits winning experiment from 2018 that tested how well a type of radiotrophic fungus could survive the harsh conditions in low Earth orbit. Radiotrophic fungi metabolize radiation, which means they can absorb radiation and use it as an energy source. For this experiment, the student team will measure the growth of the fungus during spaceflight to assess its viability to provide protection from the negative effects of radiation. The students believe the fungus could serve as a natural option to protect hardware in space and could be used in several important applications on Earth.

By harnessing the natural properties of fungi, we could potentially develop radiation shielding technologies that protect workers in nuclear power plants, aid in the cleanup of radiation-contaminated sites, and enhance the safety of medical procedures involving radiation therapy and imaging,the students wrote in response to questions from Higher Orbits judges.

To think that our experiment is somewhere above us in the International Space Station as it zooms around the Earth multiple times a day is an indescribable feeling, added Team 229312 member Zahra Ali.

Students Advancing Science

The three experiments are scheduled to return to Earth on the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft so the students can analyze their samples. Of the 20 student teams that have launched experiments to the space station as part of Higher Orbits Go For Launch!, some have even published results.

Advancing STEM education and workforce development is a key part of the mission of the ISS National Lab, which partners with student programs like Higher Orbits to encourage and inspire the next generation of workers to think about space-focused careers. Lucas hopes student participants who never considered a STEM career can now see new avenues for their futures.The students reactions to seeing their experiments launch to the space station tell her shes on the right path.

It was an unbelievable feeling, said Claire Parks from team Space Shell 6. It helped me build a passion for STEM and wonder if I could make a life out of space, which I plan to do. Teammate Zahraa Mahmud agreed. Taking part in the Go For Launch! program changed my view on space and science. I know now that my passion for science is my ticket to a very exciting journey ahead.

Lucas said she wants students to know that there is a place in the space industry for workers with a wide range of skills.

We have to continue to provide opportunities for these kids because we can lose them, she said. Bringing them in and showing them that the space industry is so much more than they think, and that there is a place in space for them, and a place in STEM for them, is one of the most powerful things we can do for our industry and for our country.

Any tips for parents to encourage kids?

Yes, Lucas chuckled. Quit saying math is hard!

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Student Science in Space Benefits Earth - ISS National Lab