Space Initiative Ignites the Next Generation of Student Researchers

An international collaboration aims to engage students and educators in scientific research  in Brazil, Portugal, and the United States.
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​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.