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:

• Project Start: September 3, 2024
• Experiment Design Phase: September 3 to November 5, 2024
• Selection of Experiments: December 20, 2024
• Launch to ISS: Spring 2025
• Experiment Results Returned: 4-6 weeks after launch
• Scientific Conference: June or July 2025

​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.

The New Commercial Space Economy is Encouraging International Collaboration and Inspiring the New Generation of Space Explorers

​It is an extraordinary and exciting time for the space sector. We are also in the midst of a transformative era of space exploration, marked by groundbreaking missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

Both governmental and commercial interests are driving significant advancements in technology and our understanding of the solar system. These public and private space actors are revolutionizing the industry with cost-effective, reusable launch vehicles and ambitious missions, making space more accessible and accelerating humanity's journey beyond Earth.

Space exploration also encourages international cooperation and inspires future generations. There have never been so many space exploration missions venturing into our solar system, and to ensure the new generation can seize this giant opportunity, KSCIA International Space Academy, an American Space Educational Research Center based at the Space Life Science Laboratory located in Exploration Park, just outside the security perimeter of NASA's Kennedy Space Center, is dedicated to advancing space education. KSCIA is training this new generation of space enthusiasts through innovative programs and partnerships.

​Recently, KSCIA hosted a group of teachers and students from Brazil, Mexico, and the United States for a weeklong program where the participants had the opportunity to develop projects and learn from real space industry experts and engineers. 

In recent months, six missions have been launched to the Moon. India and Japan became the fourth and fifth nations, respectively, to achieve successful 'soft' lunar landings alongside a private mission.

A Japanese conglomerate has established a new subsidiary seeking to develop a module that could be installed on future commercial space stations.

The new venture, called Japan LEO Shachu, Inc., is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mitsui & Co. that was formally established on July 1, its chief executive, Yudai Yamamoto, said in a July 9 presentation at the Spacetide conference here.

The goal of the company, he said, is to “leverage Japan’s strengths in LEO” building upon past work by Mitsui, which included handling cubesat deployments from Japan’s Kibo module on the International Space Station. Mitsui also invested in commercial space station developer Axiom Space in 2021.

The concept that Japan LEO Shachu is pursuing is the “Japan Module,” a module based on technologies developed for the HTV and new HTV-X cargo spacecraft. The module would include a pressurized area for research, manufacturing and other applications, as well as an external platform for additional payloads. The module will also have its own system for high-bandwidth communications.

​The company’s plans will depend on its ability to work with American developers of commercial space stations. “We are open to collaborate with international partners, especially with the U.S. commercial space station companies,” he said. “Having a module that is complementary to them and how we can contribute to global commercial LEO systems is also important.”

The proposal for a Japanese module for a commercial space station comes as the Japanese space agency JAXA plans to solicit proposals for technologies that could be used on commercial stations, including the module itself as well as cargo spacecraft. That could provide mechanisms for the Japanese government and companies to participate as partners on commercial stations that will be developed by American companies through NASA’s Commercial LEO Destinations effort.
​
Among those American companies is Axiom Space. Speaking in a separate session at Spacetide July 9, Koichi Wakata, a former JAXA astronaut who joined Axiom earlier this year as its chief technology officer for the Asia-Pacific region, said he would be interested in incorporating a Japanese module of some kind to Axiom’s future station. “I would like to be a liaison,” he said in interpreted remarks in the Japanese-language session.

Sources for this article:
https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2024/07/sustainable-space-exploration-path-forward/
https://spacenews.com/japanese-venture-seeks-to-develop-commercial-space-station-module/
https://www.kscia.com/international-journey.html
​ 

​Free event from the United States arrives in the country with an educational experience for all ages.

The largest traveling STEAM and New Space event in Brazil, Science Days 2024, is proud to announce the participation of Amazon Web Services (AWS), the world's leading cloud computing services platform.

​This free event originating from the United States offers an educational experience suitable for all ages.

This year marks the eighth edition of Science Days, and AWS is joining hands with the organizers to promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and New Space, a term denoting the contemporary era of space exploration characterized by the active involvement of private companies and startups in innovating and democratizing access to space.

In 2024, Science Days is expanding its footprint to the cities of São José dos Campos, Campinas, and Belo Horizonte, offering an enriching and innovative educational experience for youths and science enthusiasts of all ages.

Under the theme "Exploring New Horizons," Science Days 2024 promises an enthralling journey through the realms of STEM and space. Carla Michaelis, the event coordinator, emphasizes the goal of Science Days to positively impact STEM education in Brazil. The traveling Space & Science fair aims to popularize science, welcoming individuals of all backgrounds. "Science Days embraces young people equally, without distinction. Here, regardless of your social class or family income, you will always be welcome to learn with us," she states.

"We are committed to boosting innovation using technology, as we understand that it is through technology that we achieve significant scientific advances and that further promote the segment in the country”, says Paulo Cunha, Brazil director for Public Sector. “It is initiatives like this with the Michaelis Foundation that help us impact and inspire different generations on the topic”.

Science Days 2024 introduces a host of new experiences, including engaging STEAM workshops, space artifact exhibition, and SPACE TALK sessions led by international and national experts across the three cities. Additionally, an exclusive stem cell activity will complement the interactive exhibition. A new initiative developed in collaboration with Full Sail University and KSCIA – International Space Academy will provide students with an immersive English-language experience focused on the space sector (New Space).

Jefferson Michaelis expresses great joy in celebrating the eighth year of Science Days in Brazil. Reflecting on the event's journey filled with memorable experiences and profound learning, he emphasizes the commitment to impacting the lives of numerous students, recognizing them as stewards of a bright and promising future.

Registration for the event will open approximately 15 days before each local edition, with specific links provided by partner organizations.

Event Details:

• São José dos Campos: March 14-15 – SJC Technological Park
• Campinas: March 19-20 – PUC Campinas
• Belo Horizonte: March 22nd – SENAI Industry 4.0 Training and Development Center

About Science Days: Science Days 2024 stands as the United States' premier traveling event in Brazil, serving as an inspirational platform for the next generation of scientists, engineers, innovative thinkers, and space explorers. Committed to making space and STEM education accessible to all, the event celebrates diversity and inclusion, offering free tickets to all schools and a unique opportunity for learning and engagement.

For more information about Science Days Brazil 2024, please  visit  http://www.ScienceDays.org/Brazil2024 or on Instagram: @ScienceDaysOficial.

Focusing on STEM and aerospace, the 6th edition of Science Days Brazil, had the strong support and partnership of the American Embassy and Consulates, and the Brazilian Space Agency, and received more than 8,700 students and education professionals. The event also featured the inauguration of the first Space Symposium, with institutions linked to the areas of Aeronautical engineering/space, Biotech, Renewable energy, Agrobusiness and Smart Cities (AEBEAS)
 
Science Days 2022 started on March 14th, in Sorocaba, and passed through the city of São José dos Campos until it ended, on the 23rd, in Belo Horizonte. However, Science Days activities are far from having a conclusion: to give even more opportunity to young students who were unable to be in person at the largest American traveling fair in Brazil, a webinar (LIVE) will be held on the @ScienceDaysOficial Instagram (@sciencedaysoficial).

“In May we will have our virtual edition of Edu Talk to include all students who were interested in Science Days but were unable to be with us during the in-person activities held in March for any particular reason.”, explained Jefferson Michaelis, founder of the project. The virtual event will count with the participation of some of the Foundation's partners, including the American institutions that participated in the in-person edition, and will now be graciously participating in the upcoming LIVE. Learn more about some of our supporters below:

Farragut Academy
​
A private school, Farragut´s story begins in 1933. Known for its courses that form leaders in the fields of engineering, aviation, and naval science, for example, with a transformative approach, the institution was very well represented at Science Days by its director of admissions, Stephanie Wood, who was among the guests to speak at Edu Talk.
​
“It was so wonderful to experience Brazil and meet students that are so academic minded! (…) All the students had great curiosity about studying in the US and wanted to learn about the chance of making that dream a reality”, she explained.

​ Embry Riddle AU

A reference institution when it comes to aerospace science and engineering, Embry Riddle has already helped more than 140,000 students to fulfill their dream of acquiring a degree, having trained 7 current and former astronauts. With practical classes in laboratories, simulators and control rooms, Embry-Riddle brought to Edu Talk its unique experience of delighting young people by communicating in a completely innovative way.
​
“Seeing the sparkle in the children's eyes as they discover the endless opportunities they have for their futures, as shown at the fair, was the part that delighted me the most (at Science Days). They can do much more than they can imagine!”, said Leticia Schmitz, university’s representative.

Troy University

Training leaders capable of transforming the world into a better place is the purpose of Troy University, which was present at Edu Talk with an inspiring chat about the possibilities of studying abroad.

“I am so glad that Troy University could be a part of such an inspiring event. It really did provide an opportunity for everyone. (…)  I was amazed at not just the caliber of the students attending, but of the organizations and speakers involved that gave their time to pass on their knowledge and wisdom to all the eager minds in attendance. It truly was a one-of-a-kind opportunity that I would encourage everyone to be a part of, whether they’re interested in STEM or not” - Jacob Grant, Coordinator of Prospect Management at Troy University.
 
During Science Days, the students present had the unique opportunity to hear about the institution's projects and courses offered to foreigners.

Vaya Space

In this edition, Science Days also had the illustrious presence of the president of Vaya Space operations in Latin America, Darcton Damião. The company in Brazil, a subsidiary of the American company, worked for the success of the first orbital launch to be carried out from the national territory, by a satellite launcher built in Brazil by a Brazilian company.
​
“I see myself as someone extremely privileged to have been given a unique opportunity to help finally make something that has been “in the oven” of the Brazilian Space Program for about five decades”, he said.
During the event, Darcton spoke to numerous students interested in learning about the future of the aerospace market

MAXAR Technologies

Talking about Maxar Technologies without talking about innovation is almost impossible, especially during its participation in Science days. With the motto “Explore, connect and protect”, Maxar, represented by software design specialist Patrícia Feingold, approached the topic “New Space”.

 “I am part of a team of 40-odd engineers and our role is to work in the area of ​​'dynamics and control', he revealed. “Your generation has the power to transform the human species,” she told the students. “It's revolutionary,” she concluded.
 

For more information about Science Days Brazil visit: http://www.sciencedays.org/sciencedaysbr2022.html  and follow us on social media (@sciencedaysoficial).

​- Luma Keily

In order to popularize science, the Michaelis Foundation for Global Education took the largest American space and STEM themed itinerary fair in Brazil to the Vicintin Foundation, in Belo Horizonte. The event that took place on Monday (21) in partnership with the U.S Embassy Branch Office in Belo Horizonte, ​​reached more than 60 young students between 14 and 17 years old.
​
Hope was the word used by teenager Yasmin Azevedo (17), to describe what the experience gave her. For her, the opportunity to hear the testimonials shared by the speakers present at the event, was essential to generate a feeling of identification and representation. “I believe we all have a role in the universe, and I think they came here to show us that we can go wherever we´d want to be,” she affirmed.

The initiative took place after Science Days visited the cities of Sorocaba, São José dos Campos and Belo Horizonte, in its sixth edition of activities in Brazil. Dr. Kumar Krishen (former senior researcher at Johnson Space Center), Patricia Feingold (director of Maxar Technologies), Gabe Gabrielle (Formerly employed by AECOM under the Institutional Service - Contract as an Engineer II for Kennedy Space Center/NASA) and José Carlos Filho (country manager of KSCIA operations in Latin America) were just some of those invited to speak at the event, which was also attended by Jacob Grant from Troy University.

For student Isabelle Pimentel, this direct contact with professionals in the field opened the door to an important teaching-learning process. “It awakened in me this huge curiosity about space”, revealed the 15-year-old girl. The young woman also highlighted that the activity of sending a personalized postcard aboard Blue Origin's Rocket New Shepard was her favorite. “It's a brilliant idea and I'll have something special to remember it by” she announced, referring to the “Flown in Space” label that will be designated to those who participated in said activity.
​
Science Days is an international initiative by the Michaelis Foundation, with the goal of improving the Global educational system through hand-on activities that arouse the interest of new generations in science.
For more details on this edition of Science Days, visit the Instagram profile @sciencedaysoficial.

Special thanks to Patricia Feingold with Maxar Technologies, Engineer Gabe Gabrielle Formerly employed by AECOM and Dr. Kumar Krishen, former Chief Technologist for Johnson Space Center (JSC).

​- Luma Keily

An unprecedented achievement in the history of Science Days, in addition to the two-day event – ​​full of activities that include workshops and the STEM & Space themed Expo – the biggest U.S. traveling STEM/Space fair in Brazil will feature an additional day, reserved for people interested in knowing a variety of insights, and even interested in investing in the aerospace industry and in STEM global opportunities. Restricted to the city of São José, Science Days Space Symposium promises to provide an important debate on the prospects of the future of the New Space: new global opportunities.

To achieve the expected economic development goals in the space sector, the principles of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University “come in handy”. Focusing on quality education, the institution seeks to train professionals capable of revolutionizing the area of ​​space science. “With more than 140,000 graduates worldwide, Embry-Riddle is not only leading the future, but also changing it,” said Leticia Schmitz, Affiliate Director of Professional Education at the institution.

Establishing presence in the Brazilian market and being seen as a reference of educational institution for programs related to aviation and aeronautical industry. According to the professional, this is Embry-Riddle's goal with its presence in this 6th edition of Science Days. “We imagine a Democratic field, where people will have more access to space and aeronautical activities (...) with a variety of opportunities for Brazilians in these industries”, she revealed.

Developing rocket launch systems is just one of the activities provided by the institution, which is open to welcoming new students. “We offer options to meet all higher education needs. Brazilians and all international students are more than welcome to enroll in over 100 courses we have.”

Embry Riddle will participate in every city in which Science Days is taking place in March. To learn more about some of the activities provided by Embry Riddle through its engineering courses, please watch the video below: https://youtu.be/R5IFTgtfVuQ

For more information about this edition of Science Days, please enter the Instagram profile @ScienceDaysOficial

​- Luma Keily

Nature's guardians. This is the name of the team made up of Professor Ana Carolina, her family and three of her children's colleagues who, together, developed a soil moisture sensor for proper and automatic irrigation of vegetables. The proposal was to think of a simple form of domestic cultivation that focused on reusing disposable materials and saving water.

To achieve promising results, the group carried out a division of functions, where each member helped within their area of ​​expertise. “The younger ones were responsible for choosing the container (...), the older ones, along with my husband and I, were responsible for idealizing what should be controlled (...) and Pedro Henrique was responsible for programming and system automation”, explained the mentor.

Green aisles, no-till and compost. Inspired by sustainable actions that are already in practice in the country, the team intends, in the future, to incorporate a control of exposure to the sun into the project. The idea is to solve problems by learning new technologies. “The expectation is that children can (...) share their ideas, (...) motivating themselves more and more to study”, said the mentor, who said she was looking forward to this year's in-person edition of Science Days, in March.

“We are proud to be part of a project that inspires so many young people to use their creativity to change the world! We believe that together we can show that it doesn't take much to make a positive impact on our society. All you need is willpower, unity and passion for what you do” – Jefferson Michaelis

Special thanks to FACENS that, once again and in an innovative way, offered us help and support for SDC in Sorocaba. We´re happy to see that this partnership is creating beautiful fruits to the next generations of great scientists and space explorers!

For more information about this Science Days edition, please follow Instagram for more updates: @sciencedaysoficial
 
- Luma Keily