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Pioneering global initiative unites scientists, educators, and students to develop real experiments for spaceflight.  The International Journey Spaceflight Experiments Program (IJSEP) is reaching a historic milestone in global space education, as hundreds of schools unite in a never-before-seen collaboration between students, educators, and renowned space scientists to develop real scientific experiments designed for microgravity research and potential spaceflight.
The program, led by KSCIA – International Space Academy, International School, StemMed, and The Michaelis Foundation for Global Education, is transforming the future of STEM education by providing young learners the rare opportunity to think, plan, and work like real scientists. IJSEP is not a simulation, it is a rigorous educational journey where students learn the full scientific process, from hypothesis development and experimental design to review, refinement, and finalist selection. Today, the IJSEP Scientific Review Board officially announced the Top 10 experiment finalist teams from Brazil, recognizing the most innovative and promising student-led proposals submitted this year: Astromatter CDV Space Project CML Scientists IconeMED ISS Mission Learning Lattes Nephro Squad Space Squad Arena 1 VemSer! These finalist teams represent the very best of student-driven innovation, curiosity, teamwork, and scientific ambition, showcasing the power of global collaboration in education and the growing momentum of youth participation in space research. “This is a milestone that will be remembered in the history of space education,” said Jefferson Michaelis, IJSEP Program Coordinator. “Never before have we seen such an extraordinary number of scientists, students, and educators working together across borders with one common goal: to empower young minds to create real experiments designed for space. What these students have achieved proves that space is no longer a distant dream, it is a reachable classroom”. To celebrate this pioneering accomplishment, all registered participants will be invited to attend a special Space Talk with Astronaut Steve Smith on February 25, made possible through the support of KSCIA and The Michaelis Foundation. This inspirational event will offer students and educators direct access to a spaceflight veteran, reinforcing the program’s mission of connecting youth with authentic space experiences and real role models. In addition, the Top 10 finalist teams from Brazil will be honored with an unprecedented recognition experience in Campinas, Brazil during the historic 10th Anniversary Edition of Science Days, taking place on March 24 and 25. During this major international celebration, the finalists will be recognized in front of an audience of students, educators, institutions, and partners, marking one of the most significant moments ever achieved by a student-based space experiments program in the region. The 10th anniversary of Science Days is expected to be one of the largest celebrations of STEM and space education ever held in Brazil, and IJSEP’s presence will serve as a symbol of what is possible when education is combined with purpose, mentorship, and global teamwork. This historic achievement would not be possible without the remarkable dedication of the scientists and mentors who stood behind the students every step of the way. IJSEP proudly recognizes the incredible active role of Dr. Fernanda Bombaldi, Roberto Fanganiello, and Renata Bombaldi, whose mentorship and expertise elevated the quality and ambition of the student experiments. The program also extends its deepest appreciation to the Scientific Review Board: Dr. Andre Vargas, Arthur Barbosa and Bruno Vaz, Lara Santi and Vitor Teles for their commitment, professionalism, and careful evaluation of the projects. In Brazil, IJSEP offers special thanks to Gabriela Dobre, from International School, a key KSCIA partner organization, for her outstanding leadership and coordination, helping unite schools across the country in this pioneering journey of science and space exploration. IJSEP continues to grow as a powerful global model for educational innovation, proving that when students are given the right tools, mentorship, and opportunity, they can contribute meaningfully to real scientific advancement and future space missions. Source: International Journey Spaceflight Experiments Program (IJSEP)
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The U.S. Space Force sent its ninth third-generation Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite into medium Earth orbit on Tuesday night. The satellite rode to space on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket after the government moved the spacecraft from a United Launch Alliance Vulcan rocket.
The mission, named GPS 3-9, saw the GPS 3 Space Vehicle 09 (SV09) payload deploy from the rocket’s upper stage nearly 1.5 hours after liftoff. This latest positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) satellite is equipped with what the Space Force calls M-Code technology, which it calls critical to “provide the warfighter with a significantly more accurate and jam-resistant capability.” Two field commands were overseeing the mission: the Space Force’s Space Systems Command (SSC) and Combat Forces Command (CFC). SSC’s System Delta 80 (SYD 80) helps manage the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program, the procurement process for launch vehicles; and CFC’s Mission Delta 31 is responsible for pre-launch satellite processing alongside Lockheed Martin, the satellite’s manufacturer. Departure from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station happened at 11:53:16 p.m. EST on Tuesday, Jan. 27 (0453:16 UTC on Jan. 28). The launch was delayed a day from Jan. 25, with SpaceX stating in a tweet that it was “keeping an eye on recovery weather.” The mission was delayed again from Monday night to Tuesday with the 45th Weather Squadron forecasting just a 40 percent chance for acceptable weather on Monday. Source: Spaceflightnow  Starship and its Super Heavy booster on their way to space. Image: SpaceX The year of 2025 was also the year of the super-heavy launcher. With new milestones launched, new players in the game, and new races to watch, we’re sure that the number of minutes we spent watching launch livestreams from the edge of our seats hit an all-time high. (When is our NASA Live Wrapped supposed to drop?)
Here’s an incomplete list of our biggest stories in launch from 2025:
The U.S. and France are strengthening space cooperation by planning a second bilateral on-orbit demonstration, focusing on dynamic space operations, rendezvous, and proximity maneuvers. Building on previous collaborations, this joint effort aimed at enhancing space domain awareness and securing satellite assets against potential threats.
Key Details on the U.S.-France Space Cooperation:
This partnership highlights a deepening military and technical alliance between the two nations to bolster security in the space domain. Source: Vivienne Machi - Military Space Editor https://aviationweek.com Vivienne Machi is the military space editor for Aviation Week. She has written about U.S. and international military and space tech for nearly a decade from Los Angeles, Washington and Stuttgart, Germany. Her byline has appeared in outlets including Defense News, Via Satellite, Foreign Policy, Defense Daily, National Defense Magazine and Business Insider. Rocket Lab launched a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite for the Japanese Earth-imaging company iQPS early Tuesday morning.
An Electron rocket carrying the QPS-SAR-12 satellite, nicknamed Kushinada-I, lifted off from Rocket Lab's New Zealand site on Tuesday at 12:10 a.m. EDT (0410 GMT and 4:10 p.m. local New Zealand time). The Electron deployed Kushinada-I into a circular orbit 357 miles (575 kilometers) above Earth about 54 minutes after launch as planned, Rocket Lab announced via X.  Space Coast, Florida — The International Journey ISS Expedition 2025 successfully concluded an inspiring week-long program from June 30 to July 5, 2025, bringing together brilliant young minds and educators from the United States, Brazil, and Portugal for an unparalleled deep dive into the world of space medicine, biotechnology, and human spaceflight.
Hosted at the iconic KSCIA-Center for Space Education at Kennedy Space Center area, this year’s Expedition showcased the future of space exploration through outstanding student-led research, dynamic discussions with space professionals, and immersive behind-the-scenes tours of NASA’s legendary facilities. The event featured top-notch presentations from student teams participating in the Student Spaceflight Experiments Program (SSEP) Mission 19, whose creativity and scientific rigor captivated everyone in attendance. Students shared experiments designed for the International Space Station, exploring topics ranging from regenerative medicine to biotech applications in microgravity. “We are incredibly proud of the dedication and talent of each student and educator who took part of this memorable global event,” said Jefferson Michaelis, Head for the Space Outreach Education at the Michaelis Foundation coordinating the International Journey ISS Expedition. “Their passion, questions, and vision for the future truly exemplify what space education is all about.” The success of this transformative initiative was made possible through the invaluable collaboration and support of esteemed partners, including:
Throughout the week, participants engaged in: ✅ Expert-led sessions on the New Space Economy and biotech frontiers ✅ Interactive discussions with Space Scientists like Dr. Jamie Foster, Dr. Petra Schwendner and others ✅ Engaged conversations with Space Engineers like Catherine Ramos with Vaya Space and former astronauts ✅ VIP technical tours of KSCVC facilities, including the Saturn V and Atlantis exhibits ✅ Cross-cultural networking to foster new global space and science collaboration The conference was further enriched by the invaluable participation of distinguished program directors and mentors: Dr. Raul Canal, Dr. André Vargas, Dr. José Ricardo Muniz, and Dr. Roberto Fanganiello. Dr. Fanganiello and Dr. Vargas delivered engaging lectures and represented one of the student experiments selected for this mission, while Dr. Canal shared an inspiring and motivating message with all participants. The energy, curiosity, and teamwork displayed by the students and educators from the U.S., Brazil, and Portugal highlight the profound impact of space education in shaping the innovators and explorers of tomorrow. TOKYO– May 19, 2025 –ispace, inc. (ispace) (TOKYO: 9348), a global lunar exploration company, announced today that a resolution has been made by its Board of Directors to secure approximately $35 Million USD (¥5.0 Billion JPY) in new financing as part of a loan agreement with Mizuho Bank, Ltd.
The loan is intended to secure working capital for development of mission and other related expenses. Through this financing, ispace intends to strengthen the company’s liquidity position and stabilize its financial foundation, thereby enabling agile management decisions. This will further accelerate the continuous improvement of technological quality and ability to effectively respond to market demand. In addition, the loan is intended to build a robust financial structure that supports ongoing investment. The execution of the loan is scheduled to be completed on May 15, 2025. “Concluding this 5-billion-yen financing from Mizuho Bank, serves as a testament to the evaluation and trust placed in our future missions and the company vision by Mizuho Bank,” said Jumpei Nozaki, CFO and Executive Business Director of ispace. “It signifies a promising outlook for our business, and we will continue to enhance our technology and improve processes by leveraging our accumulated knowledge and experience.” Future Missions ispace is leveraging its global presence through its three business units in Japan, the U.S., and Luxembourg, for the simultaneous development of upcoming missions. Mission 2, featuring the RESILIENCE lunar lander, is led by ispace Japan and was launched on Jan. 15, 2025. It is currently scheduled to land on the Moon on June 6, 2025 (JST). During the mission, the TENACIOUS micro rover, developed by ispace Europe SA, is set to be deployed on the lunar surface to conduct a technological demonstration of regolith extraction as well as mobility on the lunar surface. Mission 3, debuting the APEX 1.0 lunar lander, is led by ispace-U.S. and is expected to launch in 2027. The company’s fourth mission, which will utilize the Series 3 lander, currently being designed in Japan, is scheduled to be launched by 2027. About ispace, inc. ispace, a global lunar resource development company with the vision, “Expand our planet. Expand our future.”, specializes in designing and building lunar landers and rovers. ispace aims to extend the sphere of human life into space and create a sustainable world by providing high-frequency, low-cost transportation services to the Moon. The company has business entities in Japan, Luxembourg, and the United States with more than 300 employees worldwide. For more information, visit: www.ispace-inc.com Source: https://ispace-inc.com/news-en/?p=7466 The Luxembourg Space Agency has launched the second edition of its 'Astronaut for a Day' contest, offering secondary school students a chance to experience a zero-gravity flight and explore career opportunities in the country's growing space sector.  The Luxembourg Space Agency (LSA) has launched the second edition of their ‘Astronaut for a Day’ contest, aiming to recruit young ambassadors and teach them about space travel, hone their talents, and promote the country’s proliferating space sector. Jointly organised with the European Space Agency (ESA), the programme is available to secondary school students in Luxembourg from the age of 13.
Contest winners will be given insight into several firms and job opportunities in Luxembourg’s space sector. However, the most breathtaking aspect of the programme is likely the zero-gravity test flight that the ten winners get to experience. Nevertheless, all candidates still have to pass physical and mental aptitude tests before embarking on this adventure, same as real astronauts. Speaking to RTL, LSA CEO Marc Serres explained that a series of conferences and online lectures will be organised to outline developments in Luxembourg’s space sector, including national and international strategies. Economy Minister Lex Delles further emphasised the sector’s ambition of improving Luxembourg’s economic diversification, labelling it a dynamic domain that manages to unite people with various academic backgrounds and degrees. In conversation with RTL, Mats Jung, one of the winner’s of the first Astronaut for a Day edition, called the programme a unique and indescribable experience, with expectations more than met. “I would encourage anyone to register, because it really is a once-in-a-lifetime experience”, said Jung. Alongside the chance of becoming an LSA ambassador, participants will this year also be given a chance to be sponsored by one of the companies associated with the programme. Source: RTL Today Portugal, welcome to America’s space program!  In the photo: Duarte Januário, Amélia Cardoso, Fernanda Costa, Elsa Alves, Rafael Silva e João Ribeiro, Maria Pinto, Laura Cesário, Mariana Pinheiro e Ana Beatriz Gomes Portuguese Students Reach the Final Stage with Groundbreaking Research in Regenerative Medicine The Carolina Michaelis school, located in Porto, has gained international recognition as its students’ experiment was chosen by the the National Center for Earth and Space Science Education (NCESSE) Review Board in the U.S as the winner of the International Journey ISS Expedition – Mission 19. The experiment, titled “The Effect of Microgravity on the Osteogenic Potential of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Secretome,” will be sent to the International Space Station (ISS) and tested by astronauts under microgravity conditions. This historic achievement is the result of a dedicated alliance bringing together an international team committed to STEAM and Space education. It highlights collaborations among Portugal, Brazil, and the U.S. to deliver global educational experiences through the Student Spaceflight Experiments Program (SSEP). The initiative connects young learners and educators to space science, fostering scientific practice and advancing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) skills. The Role of International Collaboration This groundbreaking project owes its origins to Science Days and a pivotal trip by Jefferson Michaelis and Carla Michaelis to Portugal, which was supported by the U.S. Embassy in Lisbon, the U.S. Commercial Service, and the U.S. Department of Commerce. These collaborations laid the foundation for an enduring partnership that has brought the International Journey ISS Expedition to Portugal, opening new doors for students and teachers to engage in cutting-edge space research. About the International Journey - ISS Expedition The International Journey - ISS Expedition is an educational initiative under the SSEP, coordinated by the National Center for Earth and Space Science Education (NCESSE) and the Arthur C. Clarke Institute for Space Education. Sponsored in Brazil and Portugal by the KSCIA - International Space Academy, R-Crio Stem Cells, the Michaelis Foundation for Global Education, and ANADEM. This project provides students with the opportunity to develop scientific experiments that will be sent to the International Space Station (ISS), offering practical experience in space science. “Our mission is to connect students with space science, giving them the chance to experience the scientific method in a real-world context. This project replicates the demands of real aerospace industry programs. Students are being prepared to tackle real-world challenges,” said Giovanna Hueb, co-director of the International Journey ISS Expedition in Brazil and Space Education Outreach lead at KSCIA. The program engages 9,800 students from 21 global communities in an educational competition. In Brazil and Portugal alone, more than 200 students from over 20 institutions participated. Ultimately, only one experiment from the Brazil-Portugal cohort was selected to be launched aboard the Dream Chaser Demo-1, Sierra Space's first robotic resupply mission to the ISS. Educational Excellence and Global Impact The schools involved in this initiative integrate STEAM and space education into their curriculums, preparing students for 21st-century challenges. KSCIA - International Space Academy, headquartered at the Space Life Science Lab in Cape Canaveral, plays a pivotal role in advancing space education globally. José Carlos Filho, LATAM Country Manager at KSCIA, emphasized: “We are preparing these students to face the challenges of 21st-century science. The experience of developing experiments in microgravity conditions places them in a unique position to understand the complexity of modern science.” Jefferson Michaelis, President of the Michaelis Foundation for Global Education, added: “The mission of the Michaelis Foundation has always been to promote access to STEAM & Space knowledge for everyone. Through initiatives like this, we are not only encouraging scientific learning but also fostering collaboration among schools from different countries. This unity is key to shaping future leaders in science and technology.” Innovations in Regenerative Medicine In collaboration with R-Crio Stem Cells, the project highlights regenerative medicine—a field that complements traditional aerospace research in physics, engineering, and chemistry. “Historically, physics, engineering, and chemistry have been strong areas in aerospace research. We are delighted to introduce and encourage projects that also include major areas such as biology/regenerative medicine, bioengineering, and mechanobiology,” said Roberto D. Fanganiello, Scientific Director of R-Crio and Professor at Université Laval in Quebec City, Canada. Teamwork and Dedication Elsa Alves, supervising teacher at Carolina Michaelis School, expressed her pride: “Our team of students and teachers is overjoyed that our experiment proposal has been selected to go to the ISS. We will have an astronaut conducting our experiment in microgravity. It’s fantastic! After days of anticipation, this has been the best Christmas gift.”  Ana Beatriz Oliveira Gomes (12° série), João Paulo Machado Ribeiro (12° série), Laura Coimbra Cesário (11° série), Maria Rita Valongo Pinto (11° série), Mariana De Almeida Pinheiro (12° série), Rafael Silva (12° série) The team’s experiment, titled The Effect of Microgravity on the Secretome of Bone Cells, was born from the students’ curiosity after attending classes on regenerative medicine, offered by researchers from R-Crio and the i3S Institute.
The project aims to understand how microgravity influences biological processes such as osteogenesis, paving the way for advancements in both space and terrestrial health. “The choice of research topic came after attending, via videoconference, excellent regenerative medicine classes taught by researchers from R-Crio. One of the concepts covered in the lectures was osteogenesis. The students were very curious to better understand the concept. They read several scientific articles and received guidance from teachers and researchers from R-Crio (Brazil) and i3S (Portugal).” The study investigates changes in the secretome—a set of molecules, including proteins, secreted by bone cells. The research seeks to understand how microgravity affects the secretome and how this could influence cellular growth and differentiation, contributing to innovative solutions to combat bone mass loss faced by astronauts on long-duration missions. Science that transforms For the team, participating in the project represents more than an academic achievement. Elsa Alves highlights the importance of experiencing the scientific method and designing an experiment that could be executed by astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS): “This project is extremely important for students to understand how the scientific method works, to grasp the extensive effort researchers invest to make new discoveries that advance scientific knowledge and, in this case, the conquest of space. In this specific project, students learned new concepts that allowed them to design an experiment, controlling variables, which could potentially be conducted by an astronaut on the ISS, in microgravity. It’s truly spectacular.” Project phases
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 An international collaboration aims to engage students and educators in scientific research in Brazil, Portugal, and the United States.
According to a recent article published by The Guardian, a major challenge in conducting research in space is the cost. The price of sending a single experiment to the International Space Station (ISS) and back has been reported to be around $7.5 million, particularly if it includes astronaut time. Despite these challenges, providing access and support to middle and high school students to engage in space research is crucial in inspiring a new generation of space explorers. In light of this, R-Crio Stem Cell in partnership with the Michaelis Foundation for Global Education, KSCIA International Space Academy and Science Days, proudly announces the participation of Brazilian and Portuguese students and educators in Mission 19 of the Student Spaceflight Experiments Program (SSEP) to the International Space Station (ISS). This project, guided by the U.S. team, marks the return of SSEP to Brazil and makes its debut in Portugal. Students enrolled in KSCIA's space education program and institutions engaged in educational space projects with the Michaelis Foundation will have an unprecedented opportunity to design and develop scientific experiments under the mentorship of Brazilian and American scientists and researchers. Upon conclusion of the project, one experiment will be selected for launch to the International Space Station (ISS), where it will be conducted in microgravity by an astronaut. The results of these experiments will be sent back to Earth for analysis, offering students a unique hands-on experience in space research. The Student Spaceflight Experiments Program (SSEP) is a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education initiative developed by the U.S. National Center for Earth and Space Science Education (NCESSE). Since its inception in 2010, SSEP, in collaboration with Nanoracks and NASA, has immersed educational institutions like KSCIA in all stages of scientific research, enabling high school students to design experiments for execution in microgravity aboard the ISS. "Education is the first step toward transformation. We are dedicated to providing these young minds with opportunities to explore and develop a passion for space science," stated Jefferson Michaelis, director of Space Education Engagement of the Michaelis Foundation for Global Education. This project is a collaborative effort between KSCIA International Space Academy, the Michaelis Foundation, R-Crio, Anadem, and Science Days. R-Crio, a Brazilian stem cell biotechnology company based in Campinas, specializes in the cryopreservation of adult stem cells and contributes to advancements in regenerative medicine and tissue bioengineering. "R-Crio is dedicated to advancing regenerative medicine and tissue bioengineering through the cryopreservation of stem cells. Participating in this project allows us not only to share our scientific knowledge with bright young minds but also to inspire them to explore new frontiers in science and technology. Seeing these Brazilian and Portuguese students have the opportunity to send their experiments to the International Space Station is proof that the future of scientific research is in good hands," stated Dr. José Ricardo Muniz Ferreira, President of R-Crio. For José Carlos Filho, country manager for Latin America at KSCIA, the project goes beyond an international partnership. "Our goal is to inspire the next generation of scientists. Providing these students the opportunity to see their ideas come to life in space is a transformative experience," commented a KSCIA representative. Importance of Microgravity Studies Experiments conducted in microgravity are essential for understanding various biological and physical processes that are typically influenced by Earth’s gravity. Research carried out on the ISS allows scientists to observe phenomena in ways that are impossible on Earth, such as the crystallization of proteins, the growth of cells and microorganisms, and the behavior of fluids. This research not only furthers scientific understanding but also holds the potential to lead to groundbreaking technologies and medical treatments benefiting humanity. Important Dates:
This international collaboration underscores the commitment of the institutions engaged to fostering global scientific education and innovation. By engaging students in real-world space research, the project aims to ignite their passion for science and open doors to future careers in STEM fields. |
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