This page provides a video archive of presentations at the annual SSEP National Conference by student researchers whose experiments were part of the SSEP Mission 18 to ISS Surveyor experiments payload. Mission 18 to ISS was the twentieth SSEP flight opportunity.
Surveyor launched on SpaceX-31, on November 4, 2024, from NASA Kennedy Space Center, Florida. Surveyor returned to Earth on SpaceX-31, splashing down in the Gulf of Mexico off the west coast of Florida on December 17, 2024.
For details on the flight profile for Surveyor, see the SSEP Mission 18 to the International Space Station (ISS) page.
Some student flight teams present at more than one annual conference, reporting out status at various stages of the life cycle of a flight experiment. It is also true that not all student flight teams attend a conference. For details on all Surveyor flight experiments, see the Selected Experiments on SSEP Mission 18 to ISS page.
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Title: Bacillus Cereus: Exploring the Pathogens of Household Foods in Microgravity
Oral Presentation, 10th Annual SSEP National Conference, July 2024
Avalon Junior High School, Edmonton Public Schools
Grade level: 9
Type of Experiment: Semi-Finalist Proposal, Mission 18
Co-Principal Investigators: Samantha Luchkow, Carys Sparrow
Investigators: Ivy Meier, Maya Ahmed, Willa Holmes
Teacher Facilitator: Homa Geisel
Abstract: This experiment, had it been selected, would have determined whether or not a microgravity environment would affect the growth of Bacillus cereus (B. cereus), a foodborne pathogen naturally found on rice that produces toxins leading to gastro-intestinal illnesses. By studying the growth of this bacterium on Basmati rice, an ideal contaminant, we would analyze how common bacteria react to a microgravity environment, which would be important for health and food security on long-term spaceflight missions.
Kingston, Ontario, Canada
Title: The Impact of Lectins on Escherichia coli Biofilm Formation in Microgravity
Oral Presentation, 10th Annual SSEP National Conference, July 2024
Queen’s University
Grade levels: 15-16
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 18 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Grant Hurley, Maisha Maliha, Gurleen Multani, Cole Munro, Tessa Murchison, Ryan Stewart
Teacher Facilitators: Dylan Zhao, Dr. Diane Tomalty, Dr. Olivia Giovannetti
Abstract: Astronauts experience compromised immune systems, which puts them at risk of developing opportunistic bacterial infections due to increased antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation in microgravity. This project would be the first to investigate whether lectins, a type of protein that binds to bacterial cell surface receptors, can prevent the formation of E. coli biofilms in space. The results could lead to a practical opportunity to combine lectins with antibiotics to enhance their effectiveness for astronauts and immunocompromised patients on Earth.
Athens, Ohio
Title: Effect of Spaceflight-Adapted Bacteria on Plant Growth and Resilience in Microgravity
Oral Presentation, 10th Annual SSEP National Conference, July 2024
Ohio University
Grade levels: 14-16
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 18 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Michael Lane, Nathan Smith, Victoria Swiler
Teacher Facilitator: Nicholas Whitticar
Abstract: Plant-microbe interactions are key to future long term space explorations requiring regenerative food sources. The bacterial strain Sphingomonas sanguinis B3A was discovered on the International Space Station and has displayed plant growth promoting properties. The bacterium is hypothesized to benefit Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings by reducing microgravity induced stress. Increased plant growth and downregulation of Arabidopsis stress genes are expected in the experimental group on ISS. qPCR will be used to quantify gene expression between the treatment groups.
Kent, Ohio
Title: Pea Power: Microgravity and its Effects on Pisum Sativum Roots
Oral Presentation, 10th Annual SSEP National Conference, July 2024
Kent State University
Grade levels: 13 and 16
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 18 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Jonathan King, Mackenzie Guy
Teacher Facilitator: Syed Arbab Mohd Shihab
Abstract: A key challenge of potential long term space missions is creating sustainable food source systems. A promising area of research for this issue has been microgreen growth in space. Microgreens are ideal candidates to supplement diet in space due to their fecundity and range of nutrients. The investigation focuses on the root growth of Pisum Sativum, otherwise known as Green Peas, in microgravity environments through the use of hydroponic systems, which led to the defining question: Can a solid medium be supplemented into a hydroponic environment to improve Pisum Sativum root growth?
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – CCAC
Title: Effect of Microgravity on the Enzymatic Degradation of Polyurethane by Penicillium chrysogenum
Oral Presentation, 10th Annual SSEP National Conference, July 2024
Community College of Allegheny County
Grade level: 13
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 18 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Maya Burns, Faith Dunn
Collaborator: Connor McDonagh
Teacher Facilitators: Patricia Donehue, Anne Duffy
Abstract: 360 million tons of Polyurethane plastics are produced each year, 80% of which become waste. To address the increase in plastic waste, one of several organisms found capable of degrading polyurethanes could be used to break the material down into recyclable chemical compounds. This experiment will test how microgravity affects the fungus Penicillium chrysogenum’s biodegradative enzymes’ ability to degrade polyester-polyurethane. This information can facilitate the transition to circular production/waste economies, both on Earth and in space exploration endeavors.
Burleson, Texas
Title: Raspberry Seed Growth with Paper Towels in Microgravity
Oral Presentation, 10th Annual SSEP National Conference, July 2024
STEAM Middle School, Burleson Independent School District
Grade level: 6
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 18 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Cade Sando, Mac McGinnis
Teacher Facilitator: Alesha Youngs
Abstract: Our question that we are testing is “can raspberries germinate in damp paper towels in microgravity compared to gravity?” We believe that if we’re able to get raspberries to successfully germinate with a damp paper towel it could help us reserve soil. We have previously conducted an experiment here on Earth germinating raspberry seeds inside of a damp paper towel. We now want to see if this process will be sped up in microgravity. Our experiment research is important to understanding germination of seeds because we may need other forms of growing and germinating seeds besides soil, especially in microgravity.
Houston, Texas
Title: Comparison of Arabidopsis thaliana Germination and Cell Wall Growth in Microgravity versus Standard Conditions
Oral Presentation, 10th Annual SSEP National Conference, July 2024
San Jacinto College
Grade levels: 10-13
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 18 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Maheen Bukhari, Marcus Pitre, Amna Qureshi
Teacher Facilitator: Carrie Owens
Abstract: This experiment investigates the effect of microgravity on cell wall growth in the model plant species Arabidopsis thaliana. The FME mini lab will contain 15 seeds in cotton that will be mixed first with rainwater and later with formalin to freeze growth. Results will enable a better understanding of how the growth of a cell wall is affected in by microgravity conditions and provide insights into potential benefits of growing crops in space for agricultural research and food production.
Plano, Texas
Title: Growth and Life Cycle of Crickets (Acheta Domesticus) in Microgravity for Astronaut Consumption
Oral Presentation, 10th Annual SSEP National Conference, July 2024
Plano ISD Academy High School, Plano Independent School District
Grade level: 12
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 18 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Abhinav Ajish, Jacob Castro, Nawal Siddiqui
Teacher Facilitator: Mary Smith
Abstract: The proposed experiment investigates the effects of microgravity on the growth, development, and protein composition of crickets (Acheta domesticus) to assess their viability as a sustainable food source for astronauts. By comparing crickets hatched and raised in space to those on Earth, this study aims to determine microgravity’s impact on their life cycle and nutritional value. The findings will inform the potential for utilizing crickets as an efficient, high-protein food source during long-duration space missions, supporting astronaut and mission sustainability.
San Antonio, Texas
Title: Chia Seeds in Microgravity
Oral Presentation, 10th Annual SSEP National Conference, July 2024
Engineering and Technologies Academy at Theodore Roosevelt High School, North East Independent School District
Grade levels: 11-12
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 18 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Solangel Bass, Tina Tse, Amanda Brake, Bryan Godos
Teacher Facilitator: Christopher Wilson
Abstract: The experiment will focus on the germination of 20 Salvia hispanica seeds in microgravity. The seeds will be introduced to purified water on day U-14. The hypothesis is that the seeds will germinate just as much in microgravity as the control seeds will on Earth. This experiment is intended to illuminate the possibilities of growing food on space journeys with regard to lighting limitations.
Waxahachie, Texas Team 1
Title: Tardigrade Growth in Space
Oral Presentation, 10th Annual SSEP National Conference, July 2024
Eddie Finley Junior High School, Waxahachie Independent School District
Grade level: 6
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 18 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Peyton Dues, Caris Gray, Olivia Jones
Teacher Facilitators: Ashley Dawson, Theresa Smithey
Abstract: The experiment is designed to explore if tardigrades can produce eggs and hatch and develop in microgravity period of time. The materials we will be using are tardigrade eggs and an FME3-type tube. Based on research, tardigrades can survive at any temperature and survive up to thirty days without food or water. It is not known if tardigrade eggs can hatch and develop in space. This experiment will help us figure out that information (Guidetti et al.).
Waxahachie, Texas Team 2
Title: How do Microgravity and Space Conditions Affect the Growth of Cucumber?
Oral Presentation, 10th Annual SSEP National Conference, July 2024
Robbie E. Howard Junior High School, Waxahachie Independent School District
Grade level: 6
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 18 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Caiden Holmquist, Coralee Holloway, Levi Blaise Lewis, Cadee Smith
Teacher Facilitators: Michelle Dominy, Theresa Smithey
Abstract: This experiment will measure the effects of microgravity on the early development of Cucumbis sativus (cucumber). It will also compare how a cucumber seed grows on Earth and in space. Cucumber seeds will be used because they have many health benefits. Our research showed that cucumbers may fight cancer, help with skin care, help your immune system, help with blood pressure, and contain many vitamins! (Milovanovic, et al.) The FME tube will be separated into three sections.